transform

To convert one thing into another, be it an object, coordinate space, etc. 3D graphics tend to involve many coordinate transformations. Nanotech may enable us to perform physical transformations. Greek mythology contained a fair number of transformations, hence putting transformation into the mythical.

Trans*form" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Transformed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Transforming.] [L. transformare, transformatum; trans across, over + formare to from: cf. F. transformer. See Form, v. t.]

1.

To change the form of; to change in shape or appearance; to metamorphose; as, a caterpillar is ultimately transformed into a butterfly.

Love may transform me to an oyster. Shak.

2.

To change into another substance; to transmute; as, the alchemists sought to transform lead into gold.

3.

To change in nature, disposition, heart, character, or the like; to convert.

Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. Rom. xii. 2.

4. Math.

To change, as an algebraic expression or geometrical figure, into another from without altering its value.

© Webster 1913.

Trans*form", v. i.

To be changed in form; to be metamorphosed.

His hair transforms to down. Addison.

© Webster 1913.