online medical dictionary | definition of transform

To be changed in form; to be metamorphosed. "His hair transforms to down." (Addison)

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

Origin: L. Transformare, transformatum; trans across, over + formare to from: cf. F. Transformer. See Form.

(01 Mar 1998)