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

ultimately from Greek hol- + metabolor changeable, from metabolē change — more at metabolism

First Known Use: 1870

Medical Dictionary

adjective ho·lo·me·tab·o·lous \ˌhō-lō-mə-ˈtab-ə-ləs, ˌhäl-ō-\

: having complete metamorphosis <holometabolous insects>—compare hemimetabolous

—ho·lo·me·tab·o·lism \-ˌliz-əm\ noun

Next Word in the Dictionary: holometabolyPrevious Word in the Dictionary: holometabolicAll Words Near: holometabolous

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