holometabolous

adjective

ho·​lo·​me·​tab·​o·​lous ˌhō-lō-mə-ˈta-bə-ləs How to pronounce holometabolous (audio)
ˌhä-
: characterized by complete metamorphosis
holometabolous insects
compare hemimetabolous
holometabolism noun

Examples of holometabolous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Although the team found insect fossils that span tens of insect families (making their dig sites some of the best in the world to find the greatest diversity of bug relics from the Triassic period), 65 percent of the specimens were holometabolous—bugs that undergo metamorphosis. Roni Dengler, Discover Magazine, 5 Sep. 2018 The hemimetabolous species, as well as some of the holometabolous species such as the honey bees, have the same diet throughout their lives. Popular Science, 20 Oct. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'holometabolous.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of holometabolous was in 1870

Dictionary Entries Near holometabolous

Cite this Entry

“Holometabolous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holometabolous. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

holometabolous

adjective
ho·​lo·​me·​tab·​o·​lous ˌhō-lō-mə-ˈtab-ə-ləs How to pronounce holometabolous (audio) ˌhäl-ō- How to pronounce holometabolous (audio)
: having complete metamorphosis
holometabolous insects
compare hemimetabolous
holometabolism noun
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