noun
metamorphosis
meh-tuh-MAW-fuh-sihs
Metamorphosis (noun) means a dramatic change in form, character, or appearance, especially one that happens naturally in an animal’s development. Example: “A caterpillar undergoes metamorphosis to become a butterfly.”
noun
1
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 notesIn plain EnglishA complete change in form or character, like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly.
Common pairings
undergo metamorphosis
complete metamorphosis
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Word forms
- Plural
- metamorphoses
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A caterpillar undergoes _____ to become a butterfly.
Etymology
From Latin metamorphosis, from Ancient Greek metamorphosis, from meta- ("change") + morphe ("form").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for metamorphosis
meiosis
mitosis
osmosis
stenosis
acidosis
zoonosis
cyanosis
necrosis
neurosis
hypnosis
fibrosis
silicosis
See all rhymes for metamorphosis →
Frequently asked questions
What does “metamorphosis” mean?
The word “metamorphosis” means a dramatic change in form, character, or appearance, especially one that happens naturally in an animal’s development. In plain terms, a complete change in form or character, like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly.
How do you pronounce “metamorphosis”?
“Metamorphosis” is pronounced meh-tuh-MAW-fuh-sihs (/ˌmɛtəˈmoɹfəsɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “metamorphosis” in a sentence?
Here is “metamorphosis” used in a sentence: “A caterpillar undergoes metamorphosis to become a butterfly.”
What part of speech is “metamorphosis”?
“Metamorphosis” is a noun.
Where does the word “metamorphosis” come from?
The word “metamorphosis” comes from Ancient Greek. From Latin metamorphosis, from Ancient Greek metamorphosis, from meta- ("change") + morphe ("form").
