transformation

(noun) a qualitative change. Synonyms: transmutation, shift.

(noun) (mathematics) a function that changes the position or direction of the axes of a coordinate system.

(noun) a rule describing the conversion of one syntactic structure into another related syntactic structure.

(noun) (genetics) modification of a cell or bacterium by the uptake and incorporation of exogenous DNA.

(noun) the act of changing in form or shape or appearance. Synonyms: translation. Example: "A photograph is a translation of a scene onto a two-dimensional surface."