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

The metamorphic rock from which Atlanta’s soil is derived also contributes to its alkalinity as does the constantly decomposing organic matter, consisting mostly of leaves, on the soil surface. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 28 June 2025

The latest paper focused on a specific type of metamorphic ancient rock — metagabbroic intrusions — sampled from within the belt, and the two data points converged on the same age: 4.16 billion years old. —Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 27 June 2025

These models, as Stephens imagines, have absorbed all the scrutiny directed at their bodies and hardened, like metamorphic rock, into sharp and cutting things themselves. —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 6 May 2025

This is because granite and metamorphic rocks prevalent in the areas tend to contain high levels of uranium. —Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 22 Apr. 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