gerontomorphosis

noun

ge·​ron·​to·​mor·​pho·​sis
plural -es
1
: phylogenetic change involving specialization of the characters of adult organisms and accompanied by decreased capacity for further change
2
: tendency toward racial senescence compare fetalization, paedomorphosis

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from geront- + -morphosis

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near gerontomorphosis

Cite this Entry

“Gerontomorphosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gerontomorphosis. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!