holometabolous
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ho·lo·me·tab·o·lous

adjective \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

Origin of HOLOMETABOLOUS

ultimately from Greek hol- + metabolor changeable, from metabolē change — more at metabolism
First Known Use: 1870

ho·lo·me·tab·o·lous

adjective \ˌhō-lō-mə-ˈtab-ə-ləs, ˌhäl-ō-\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of HOLOMETABOLOUS

: having complete metamorphosis <holometabolous insects>—compare hemimetabolous
ho·lo·me·tab·o·lism \-ˌliz-əm\ (audio pronunciation) noun

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