transmutation

noun4

1. •
   The conversion of one thing into something else; transformation.

   • Up I rose and forth I fared: / Took my plunge within the bath-pool, pacified the watch-dog scared, / Saw proceed the transmutation—Jura's black to one gold glow, […] — 1877
2. •
   The supposed transformation of one element into another, especially of a base metal into gold.

   • The transmutation of metals was secondary to the main aim, which was the spiritual transformation of the adept. — 1971
3. •
   The actual transformation of one element into another by a nuclear reaction.
4. •
   (no longer used) Change, alteration.