metamorphosis
noun
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Definition of metamorphosis
1a : change of physical form, structure, or substance especially by supernatural means the metamorphosis of humans into animals
b : a striking alteration in appearance, character, or circumstances The company has gone through a series of metamorphoses.
2 : a typically marked and more or less abrupt developmental change in the form or structure of an animal (such as a butterfly or a frog) occurring subsequent to birth or hatching the metamorphosis of caterpillars into butterflies
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Synonyms for metamorphosis
Synonyms
changeover, conversion, transfiguration, transformation
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Examples of metamorphosis in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This small, intensely crossed section of the border has been in a state of metamorphosis for several years with the upgrade and expansion of the San Ysidro Port of Entry. — Sandra Dibble, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Study sees two countries, one neighborhood at the U.S.-Mexico border," 11 June 2018 Their metamorphoses are achieved with little excessive flourish. — Ben Brantley, New York Times, "Review: ‘The Lehman Trilogy’ Is a Transfixing Epic of Riches and Ruin," 13 July 2018 Kennedy's metamorphosis was most apparent this month. — Richard Wolf, USA TODAY, "Supreme Court's conservatives mark return to power with major rulings, minor punts," 27 June 2018 When the stuff resembles a bread sponge, Gurvin shifts to powerful kneading until finally the metamorphosis is complete — the once soupy mixture is now a pale 35-pound mass of sesame halvah, one of the world's most ancient confections. — Amelia Saltsman, latimes.com, "The addictive joy of the sesame confection halvah, made in Los Angeles," 16 Mar. 2018 The models traded in their signature chest-grazing manes for directional bobs, and each metamorphosis instantaneously marked a new chapter in their careers. — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, "7 Mesmerizing Beauty Lessons That Dominated Paris Fashion Week," 7 Mar. 2018 But this continual metamorphosis also creates a sense of nostalgia. — Andrew Webster, The Verge, "Octopath Traveler is a modern take on classic Final Fantasy on the Nintendo Switch," 12 July 2018 Durant, too, has been transformed by his new circumstances, though his metamorphosis has been far less linear, far murkier. — Nathaniel Friedman, GQ, "Kevin Durant Is in a Tricky Spot," 9 June 2018 Conservatory President David Stull noted the school’s metamorphosis into a global music center and professional training ground. — Catherine Bigelow, San Francisco Chronicle, "Conservatory of Music celebrates centennial by raising $1 million," 27 Mar. 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'metamorphosis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for metamorphosis
metamorphosis
noun
English Language Learners Definition of metamorphosis
: a major change in the appearance or character of someone or something
biology : a major change in the form or structure of some animals or insects that happens as the animal or insect becomes an adult
See the full definition for metamorphosis in the English Language Learners Dictionary
metamorphosis
noun
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Kids Definition of metamorphosis
1 : a great change in appearance or character
2 : the process of great and usually rather sudden change in the form and habits of some animals during transformation from an immature stage (as a caterpillar) to an adult stage (as a butterfly)
metamorphosis
noun
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Medical Definition of metamorphosis
1 : change of physical form, structure, or substance
2 : a marked and more or less abrupt developmental change in the form or structure of an animal (as a butterfly or a frog) occurring subsequent to birth or hatching
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