First Known Use: 1870
Dictionary
holometabolous
adjective ho·lo·me·tab·o·lous \ˌhō-lō-mə-ˈta-bə-ləs, ˌhä-\
Definition of HOLOMETABOLOUS
: characterized by complete metamorphosis <holometabolous insects> — compare hemimetabolous
— ho·lo·me·tab·o·lism \-ˌli-zəm\ noun
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Origin of HOLOMETABOLOUS
ultimately from Greek hol- + metabolor changeable, from metabolē change — more at metabolism
Medical Dictionary
holometabolous
adjective ho·lo·me·tab·o·lous \ˌhō-lō-mə-ˈtab-ə-ləs, ˌhäl-ō-\
Medical Definition of HOLOMETABOLOUS
: having complete metamorphosis <holometabolous insects>—compare hemimetabolous
—ho·lo·me·tab·o·lism \-ˌliz-əm\ noun
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