metamorphosis

noun meta·mor·pho·sis \ˌme-tə-ˈmȯr-fə-səs\

: a major change in the appearance or character of someone or something

biology : a major change in the form or structure of some animals or insects that happens as the animal or insect becomes an adult

plural meta·mor·pho·ses\-ˌsēz\

Full Definition of METAMORPHOSIS

a : change of physical form, structure, or substance especially by supernatural means

b : a striking alteration in appearance, character, or circumstances

: a typically marked and more or less abrupt developmental change in the form or structure of an animal (as a butterfly or a frog) occurring subsequent to birth or hatching

See metamorphosis defined for English-language learners

See metamorphosis defined for kids

Origin of METAMORPHOSIS

Latin, from Greek metamorphōsis, from metamorphoun to transform, from meta- + morphē form

First Known Use: 1533

Related to METAMORPHOSIS

Synonyms: changeover, conversion, transfiguration, transformation

Other Insect Terms

drone, entomology, gadfly, pismire, proboscis, vespine

METAMORPHOSIS Defined for Kids

metamorphosis

noun meta·mor·pho·sis \ˌme-tə-ˈmȯr-fə-səs\

plural meta·mor·pho·ses \-fə-ˌsēz\

Definition of METAMORPHOSIS for Kids

: a great change in appearance or character

: the process of great and usually rather sudden change in the form and habits of some animals during transformation from an immature stage (as a caterpillar) to an adult stage (as a butterfly)

Medical Dictionary

metamorphosis

noun meta·mor·pho·sis \ˌmet-ə-ˈmȯr-fə-səs\

plural meta·mor·pho·ses \-ˌsēz\

Medical Definition of METAMORPHOSIS

: change of physical form, structure, or substance

: a marked and more or less abrupt developmental change in the form or structure of an animal (as a butterfly or a frog) occurring subsequent to birth or hatching