ho·lo·me·tab·o·lous
ˌhō-lō-mə-ˈta-bə-ləs 
ˌhä-
: characterized by complete metamorphosis
holometabolous insects
compare hemimetabolous
of an insect
: development with complete metamorphosis
—distinguished from heterometabolism
compare ametabolism
Examples of holometabolous in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Popular Science,
20 Oct. 2020
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
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Adjective
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
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
Cite this Entry
“Holometabolous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holometabolous. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
holometabolous
adjective
ho·lo·me·tab·o·lous
ˌhō-lō-mə-ˈtab-ə-ləs
ˌhäl-ō-
ˌhäl-ō-
: having complete metamorphosis
holometabolous insects
compare hemimetabolous
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