metamorphosis Hear it!

metamorphosis Definition

meta·mor·pho·sis (-môr′fə sis, -môr fō′sis)

noun pl. metamorphoses -·ses′ (-sēz′)

    1. change of form, shape, structure, or substance; transformation, as, in myths, by magic or sorcery
    2. the form resulting from such change
  2. a marked or complete change of character, appearance, condition, etc.
  3. Biol. a change in form, structure, or function as a result of development; specif., the physical transformation, more or less sudden, undergone by various animals during development after the embryonic state, as of the larva of an insect to the pupa and the pupa to the adult, or of the tadpole to the frog
  4. Med. a pathological change of form of some tissues

Etymology: L < Gr metamorphōsis < metamorphoun, to transform, transfigure < meta, over (see meta-) + morphē, form, shape

metamorphosis Synonyms

metamorphosis

n.

transformation, evolution, modification; see change 1, 2, variety 1.

metamorphosis Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • undergo: Upon reaching 10cm or more the juvenile will undergo metamorphosis.
  • have: We have a metamorphosis in terminology on our hands!
  • see: The butterfly kit allows a child to see the complete metamorphosis from larvae to butterfly, both an exciting and wonderful learning experience.
  • begin: At this stage they begin the metamorphosis from a vertical life to a horizontal position.
  • describe: Try your hand at finding the right simile to describe this metamorphosis.

Adjective modifier

  • incomplete: The species follows the normal mite incomplete metamorphosis, with the female mite laying her eggs singly throughout the year.
  • strange: I felt angry for about a limit of two hours and then a strange metamorphosis came over me.
  • complete: Only then will a complete metamorphosis take place from the lower senses to the activities of the upper senses.
  • complex: Due to the large change from larval to adult form, the insects are said to undergo complete or complex metamorphosis.
  • own: Back home, electricity is going through its own metamorphosis.

Preposition: into

  • fisher: More... June 2002: " So how did it begin, this strange metamorphosis into a salmon fisher?

Modifies a noun

  • project: The Metamorphosis project is now in Stage 2 and looking forward to future developments.
  • trilogy: Summary The Metamorphosis Trilogy was the most successful theme to date for Yaa.
  • theme: In this course we explore a wide variety of episodes and analyze Ovid's use of myth and the metamorphosis theme.
  • simple: Metamorphosis simple, usually with six nymphal stages before reaching maturity, although some wingless forms may have fewer stages.

Noun used with modifier

  • insect: Maria Sibylla Merian ' ( born in Frankfurt, 1647 1717 ) was the first known person to record observations on insect metamorphosis.

Preposition: of

  • insect: People expect to see a positive change or a happy ending in the metamorphosis of insects, for example in the birth of butterflies.