Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

         The caresses of parents and the blandishments of
         friends transmute us into idols.         --Buckminster.

         Transmuting sorrow into golden joy Free from alloy.
                                                  --H. Smith.

Source : WordNet®

transmute
     v 1: alter the nature of (elements)
     2: change in outward structure or looks; "He transformed into a
        monster"; "The salesman metamorphosed into an ugly beetle"
        [syn: {transform}, {metamorphose}]
     3: 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}, {transubstantiate}]