Transform, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Transformed; p. pr. & vb. n. Transforming.]
Etymology: [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.)
1 more senses
To change, as an algebraic expression or geometrical figure, into another from without altering its value.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Transform, v. i.
To be changed in form; to be metamorphosed. [R.] His hair transforms to down. Addison.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for transform; he lists it under change.
Where he writes about it:
To transform is to change form or appearance, with or without deeper and more essential change; it is less absolute than transmute, tho sometimes used for that word, and is often used in a spiritual sense as transmute could not be; "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind," Rom. xii, 2. — from change
To turn is a popular word for change in any sense short of the meaning of exchange, being often equivalent to alter, convert, transform, transmute, etc. — from change