Transformation, n.
Etymology: [L. transformatio: cf. transformation.]
The act of transforming, or the state of being transformed; change of form or condition. Specifically: --(a) (Biol.)
Any change in an organism which alters its general character and mode of life, as in the development of the germ into the embryo, the egg into the animal, the larva into the insect (metamorphosis), etc.; also, the change which the histological units of a tissue are prone to undergo. See Metamorphosis. (b) (Physiol.) Change of one from of material into another, as in assimilation; metabolism; metamorphosis. (c) (Alchemy) The imagined possible or actual change of one metal into another; transmutation. (d) (Theol.)
A change in disposition, heart, character, or the like; conversion. (e) (Math.) The change, as of an equation or quantity, into another form without altering the value.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for transformation; he lists it under change.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.