transform

transform [trans fôrm′; ] for n. [ trans′fôrm΄]

vt.

[ME transformen < L transformare < trans-, TRANS- + formare, to form < forma, FORM]

1. to change the form or outward appearance of

2. to change the condition, nature, or function of; convert

3. to change the personality or character of

4. Elec. to change (a voltage or current value) by use of a transformer

5. Linguis. to change by means of a syntactic transformational rule

6. Math. to change (an algebraic expression or equation) to a different form having the same value

7. Physics to change (one form of energy) into another

vi.

to become transformed

n.

Math. the process or result of a mathematical transformation

SYN.- CHANGE

transformable

adj.

transformative

adj.

SYN.- TRANSFORM, the broadest in scope of these terms, implies a change either in external form or in inner nature, in function, etc. [she was transformed into a happy girl ]; TRANSMUTE, from its earlier use in alchemy, suggests a change in basic nature that seems almost miraculous [transmuted from a shy youth into a sophisticated man about town ]; CONVERT implies a change in details so as to be suitable for a new use [to convert an attic into an apartment ]; METAMORPHOSE suggests a startling change produced as if by magic [a tadpole is metamorphosed into a frog ]; TRANSFIGURE implies a change in outward appearance which seems to exalt or glorify [his whole being was transfigured by love ]