a less common word for evolution, used esp to refer to the theory of evolution
Derived forms
transformist (transˈformist)
noun
transformism in American English
(trænsˈfɔrmɪzəm)
noun Biology
1.
the doctrine of gradual transformation of one species into another by descent with modification through many generations
2.
such transformation itself
3.
any doctrine or instance of evolution
Word origin
[1875–80; transform + -ism, modeled on F transformisme]This word is first recorded in the period 1875–80. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: graph, hat trick, knockabout, neoclassic, weekend-ism is a suffix appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it was used to form action nounsfrom verbs (baptism). On this model, -ism is used as a productive suffix in the formation of nouns denoting action or practice,state or condition, principles, doctrines, a usage or characteristic, devotion oradherence, etc. (criticism; barbarism; Darwinism; despotism; plagiarism; realism; witticism; intellectualism)