different between transmutation vs transfiguration

English

Etymology

Late 14th century, from Old French transmutacion (“transformation, metamorphosis”) [12th c.], from Late Latin transmutationem, from Latin transmutare (“to change”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /t?anzmju??te??n?/

Noun

transmutation (countable and uncountable, plural transmutations)

1. (obsolete) Change, alteration.
2. The conversion of one thing into something else; transformation.
3. (alchemy) Specifically, the supposed transformation of one element into another, especially of a base metal into gold.
   • 1971, Keith Thomas, Religion and the Decline of Magic, Folio Society 2012, p. 261:

     The transmutation of metals was secondary to the main aim, which was the spiritual transformation of the adept.

4. (physics) The actual transformation of one element into another by a nuclear reaction.

Translations

French

Etymology

From Latin tr?nsm?t?ti?.

Pronunciation

Noun

transmutation f (plural transmutations)

1. transmutation (all senses)

Related terms

• transmuer, transmuter

Further reading

• “transmutation” in Trésor de la langue française informatisé (The Digitized Treasury of the French Language).

English

Noun

transfiguration (countable and uncountable, plural transfigurations)

1. A major change in appearance or form; a metamorphosis.
2. A change that exalts or glorifies.
3. superposition of one or more ideal-elements in comparison with other real ones, often through imagination but sometimes at the risk of confusing when not clearly realized.

Translations