Metamorphosis

Origin

First attested in 1533, from Ancient Greek μεταμόρφωσις, from μετά (meta, "change") + μορφή (morphē, "form")

Full definition of metamorphosis

Noun

1. A transformation, such as that of magic or by sorcery
2. A noticeable change in character, appearance, function or condition.
3. (biology) A change in the form and often habits of an animal after the embryonic stage during normal development. (e.g. the transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly or a tadpole into a frog.)
4. (pathology) A change in the structure of a specific body tissue. Usually degenerative.

Related terms

• metamorphic
• metamorphose
• metamorphosize
• metamorphism

Derived terms

• metramorphosis