metamorphosis

American  

[met-uh-mawr-fuh-sis] / ˌmɛt əˈmɔr fə sɪs /

noun

plural

metamorphoses

1. Biology. a profound change in form from one stage to the next in the life history of an organism, as from the caterpillar to the pupa and from the pupa to the adult butterfly.

   Antonyms:

   stasis

2. a complete change of form, structure, or substance, as transformation by magic or witchcraft.

   Synonyms:

   transmutation, mutation

   Antonyms:

   stasis

3. any complete change in appearance, character, circumstances, etc.

4. a form resulting from any such change.

5. Pathology.

   1. a type of alteration or degeneration in which tissues are changed.

      fatty metamorphosis of the liver.

   2. the resultant form.

6. Botany. the structural or functional modification of a plant organ or structure during its development.

---

metamorphosis British  

/ ˌmɛtəˈmɔːfəsɪs /

noun

1. a complete change of physical form or substance

2. a complete change of character, appearance, etc

3. a person or thing that has undergone metamorphosis

4. zoology the rapid transformation of a larva into an adult that occurs in certain animals, for example the stage between tadpole and frog or between chrysalis and butterfly

---

metamorphosis Scientific  

/ mĕt′ə-môr′fə-sĭs /

1. Dramatic change in the form and often the habits of an animal during its development after birth or hatching. The transformation of a maggot into an adult fly and of a tadpole into an adult frog are examples of metamorphosis. The young of such animals are called larvae.

---

metamorphosis Cultural  

1. A change in an animal as it grows, particularly a radical change, such as the transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly.

---

Other Word Forms

• nonmetamorphosis noun

Etymology

Origin of metamorphosis

First recorded in 1525–35; from New Latin metamorphōsis, from Greek metamórphōsis “transformation”; equivalent to meta- + -morph + -osis

Example Sentences

While in school he attended Episcopal chapel; he completed his metamorphosis by marrying the scion of a prominent Milwaukee family that was established in colonial Virginia in the 17th century.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

The metamorphosis has been accelerated by the hard graft demanded by fitness trainer Matt Little and physio Shane Annun - who were core pillars of Andy Murray's team before joining Draper earlier this year.

From BBC • Aug. 25, 2025

"Hacks" has carved out a special spotlight for DJ’s growth over the past four seasons, and Olson has brought a light pathos to her character’s metamorphosis.

From Salon • May 16, 2025

The resulting piece was a pair of butterfly wings braided into her hair intended to symbolize her recent metamorphosis.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2025

Other scientists are working on the so-called “juvenile hormone,” a powerful substance which prevents metamorphosis of the larval insect until the proper stage of growth has been reached.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Related Words

• evolution
• rebirth