metamorphosis

meta·mor·pho·sis

noun \ˌme-tə-ˈmȯr-fə-səs\

plural meta·mor·pho·ses\-ˌsēz\

Definition of METAMORPHOSIS

1

a : change of physical form, structure, or substance especially by supernatural means b : a striking alteration in appearance, character, or circumstances

2

: 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

Examples of METAMORPHOSIS

1. We have watched her metamorphosis from a shy schoolgirl into a self-confident businesswoman.
2. a company that has gone through a series of metamorphoses
3. The government has undergone political metamorphosis since his election.
4. the metamorphosis of tadpoles into frogs
5. The class learned about how caterpillars undergo metamorphosis to become butterflies.

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

Related Words: shift, transition; adjustment, alteration, modification; reconstruction, reconversion, redo, redoing, refashioning, reformation, remaking, remodeling, revamping, revision, reworking, variation; deformation, disfigurement, distortion, mutation, transmutation; displacement, replacement, substitution, supplantation

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Other Insect Terms

drone, entomology, gadfly, pismire, proboscis, vespine