Partformer

A partsformer is a fandom term for a Transformer toy that transforms by removing pieces of one form, then reattaching them to assemble the other form. For example, the original Seeker molds required the jet mode's wings, landing gear, tailfins, and weapons to be removed before transformation, and then reattached (along with the robot's fists, which simply sat around in jet mode) to complete the robot form. This term is often used derisively.

See also: kibble, especially the original definition of the term.

From Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki, a Wikia wiki.