metamorphosis

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Noun 1.2.1 Related terms 1.2.2 Translations

[edit] English

Wikipedia

[edit] Etymology

First attested in 1533, from Ancient Greek μεταμόρφωσις (metamorphōsis) from μετά (meta), “‘change’”) + μορφή (morphē), “‘form’”)

[edit] Noun

metamorphosis (plural metamorphoses)

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.

[edit] Related terms

• metamorphose

[edit] Translations