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metamorphose

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verb meta·mor·phose \-ˌfōz, -ˌfōs\

Definition of metamorphose

metamorphosed

;

metamorphosing
  1. transitive verb

  2. 1a :  to change into a different physical form especially by supernatural meansb :  to change strikingly the appearance or character of :  transform

  3. 2 :  to cause (rock) to undergo metamorphism

  4. intransitive verb

  5. 1 :  to undergo metamorphosis

  6. 2 :  to become transformed

See metamorphose defined for English-language learners

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Examples of metamorphose in a Sentence

  1. a science fiction story in which radiation metamorphoses people into giant bugs

Recent Examples of metamorphose from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'metamorphose'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of metamorphose

probably from Middle French metamorphoser, from metamorphose metamorphosis, from Latin metamorphosis

metamorphose Synonyms

Synonyms
alchemize, make over, convert, transfigure, transform, transmute, transpose, transubstantiate
Related Words
adjust, alter, modify, recast; redefine, redesign, redo, reengineer, refashion, regenerate, remake, remodel, revamp, revise, rework, vary; deform, disfigure, distort, mutate, transmogrify; displace, replace, substitute, supplant

Synonym Discussion of metamorphose

transform, metamorphose, transmute, convert, transmogrify, transfigure mean to change a thing into a different thing. transform implies a major change in form, nature, or function. transformed a small company into a corporate giant metamorphose suggests an abrupt or startling change induced by or as if by magic or a supernatural power. awkward girls metamorphosed into graceful ballerinas transmute implies transforming into a higher element or thing. attempted to transmute lead into gold convert implies a change fitting something for a new or different use or function. converted the study into a nursery transmogrify suggests a strange or preposterous metamorphosis. a story in which a frog is transmogrified into a prince transfigure implies a change that exalts or glorifies. joy transfigured her face

METAMORPHOSE Defined for English Language Learners

metamorphose

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verb

Definition of metamorphose for English Language Learners

  • : to change in an important and obvious way into something that is very different : to undergo metamorphosis

Medical Dictionary

metamorphose

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intransitive verb meta·mor·phose \-ˌfōz, -ˌfōs\

Medical Definition of metamorphose

metamorphosed

;

metamorphosing

  1. :  to undergo metamorphosis

Learn More about metamorphose

  1. See words that rhyme with metamorphose Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for metamorphose Nglish: Translation of metamorphose for Spanish speakers

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Examples: metamorphose in a Sentence
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