metamorphic

adjective

meta·​mor·​phic ˌme-tə-ˈmȯr-fik 

1

: of or relating to metamorphosis

2

of a rock : of, relating to, or produced by metamorphism

metamorphically

ˌme-tə-ˈmȯr-fi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of metamorphic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Grand Canyon Formed millions of years ago through the uplift of igneous and metamorphic rock and carved by the Colorado River through erosion, the Grand Canyon is one of America's greatest geological treasures. —Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 22 July 2025

Marble was, at one point, alive: The metamorphic rock is forged from the calcite shells of innumerable sea creatures. —Meara Sharma, The Dial, 22 July 2025

With a mix of volcanic soils and igneous and metamorphic rock and less average rainfall than other areas in Napa Valley, vines here are forced to dig deep for water, which supports vine longevity during periods of drought or low rainfall. —Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 20 July 2025

The crater formed in a large basalt plateau, unlike most other craters located in sediments or metamorphic rocks. —David Bressan, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

meta- + -morphic, after metamorphosis

Note: The geological term was introduced by Charles lyell in Principles of Geology, vol. 3 (London, 1833), p. 375: "We divide the hypogene rocks, then, into the unstratified, or plutonic, and the altered stratified. For these last the term 'metamorphic' (from μετα, trans, and μορφη, form) may be used." See also note at metamorphism.

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for metamorphic

• automorphic
• geomorphic
• holomorphic
• homomorphic
• isomorphic
• meromorphic
• monomorphic
• polymorphic
• anthropomorphic
• homeomorphic
• dimorphic
• dysmorphic

Kids Definition

metamorphic

adjective

meta·​mor·​phic ˌmet-ə-ˈmȯr-fik 

: changed into a more compact form by the action of pressure, heat, and water

a metamorphic rock

compare igneous, sedimentary sense 2

Medical Definition

metamorphic

adjective

meta·​mor·​phic ˌmet-ə-ˈmȯr-fik 

: of or relating to metamorphosis