noun

metamorphosis

meh-tuh-MAW-fuh-sihs

noun

A dramatic change in form, character, or appearance, especially one that happens naturally in an animal’s development.

"A caterpillar undergoes metamorphosis to become a butterfly."

"The city underwent a remarkable metamorphosis after the redevelopment project."

How to Use Metamorphosis

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA complete change in form or character, like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly.

Common pairings

undergo metamorphosis complete metamorphosis

metamorphoses plural

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A caterpillar undergoes _____ to become a butterfly.

From Latin metamorphosis, from Ancient Greek metamorphosis, from meta- ("change") + morphe ("form").

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