Transmutation, n.
Etymology: [F. transmutation, L. transmutatio. See Transmute.]
1. The act of transmuting, or the state of being transmuted; as, the transmutation of metals.
2. (Geom.)
The change or reduction of one figure or body into another of the same area or solidity, but of a different form, as of a triangle into a square. [R.]
3. (Biol.)
1 more senses
The change of one species into another, which is assumed to take place in any development theory of life; transformism. Bacon. Transmutation of metals (Alchem.), the conversion of base metals into gold or silver, a process often attempted by the alchemists. See Alchemy, and Philosopher's stone, under Philosopher.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for transmutation; he lists it under change.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.