[syn: transform, transmute, transubstantiate]
3.  alter the nature of (elements); 
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Transmute \Trans*mute"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Transmuted; p.
   pr. & vb. n. Transmuting.] [L. transmutare, transmutatum;
   trans across + mutare to change. See Mutable, and cf.
   Transmew.]
   To change from one nature, form, or substance, into another;
   to transform.
   [1913 Webster]
         The caresses of parents and the blandishments of
         friends transmute us into idols.         --Buckminster.
   [1913 Webster]
         Transmuting sorrow into golden joy
         Free from alloy.                         --H. Smith.
   [1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
transmute
    v 1: change in outward structure or looks; "He transformed into
         a monster"; "The salesman metamorphosed into an ugly
         beetle" [syn: transform, transmute, metamorphose]
    2: change or alter in form, appearance, or nature; "This
       experience transformed her completely"; "She transformed the
       clay into a beautiful sculpture"; "transubstantiate one
       element into another" [syn: transform, transmute,
       transubstantiate]
    3: alter the nature of (elements)