Definition of METAMORPHOSIS

metamorphosis

Plural: metamorphoses

Noun

  • the marked and rapid transformation of a larva into an adult that occurs in some animals
  • a striking change in appearance or character or circumstances
    • "the metamorphosis of the old house into something new and exciting"
  • a complete change of physical form or substance especially as by magic or witchcraft
  • A transformation, such as one performed by magic.
  • A noticeable change in character, appearance, function, or condition.
  • 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).
  • A change, usually degenerative, in the structure of a specific body tissue.

Origin / Etymology

First attested in 1533, from Latin metamorphōsis, from Ancient Greek μεταμόρφωσις (metamórphōsis), from μετά (metá, “change”) + μορφή (morphḗ, “form”). Analyzable as meta- + -morph + -osis

Scrabble Score: 0

metamorphosis is not valid in Scrabble (US) TWL Dictionary
metamorphosis is not valid in Scrabble (MW) Merriam-Webster Dictionary
metamorphosis is not valid in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 0

metamorphosis is not valid in Words With Friends