hemimetabolism

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Word: Hemimetabolism

Definition: Hemimetabolism is a noun that refers to a type of development in certain insects where they undergo incomplete or partial metamorphosis. This means that the insects do not go through a complete transformation like butterflies do. Instead, they have a simpler life cycle with three main stages: egg, nymph (young insect), and adult.

Usage Instructions:

• Context: Use "hemimetabolism" when talking about the life cycle of specific insects, especially those that do not go through a complete metamorphosis.
• Examples:
  • "Grasshoppers and cockroaches exhibit hemimetabolism."
  • "Insects with hemimetabolism develop from eggs into nymphs before becoming adults."

Advanced Usage:

In scientific discussions or studies related to entomology (the study of insects), you might encounter "hemimetabolism" often when comparing it to "holometabolism," which is the complete metamorphosis seen in insects like butterflies and beetles.

Word Variants:

• Hemimetabolous (adjective): Describing an insect that undergoes hemimetabolism.
  • Example: "The hemimetabolous life cycle of the dragonfly includes several nymph stages."

Different Meanings:

"Hemimetabolism" specifically pertains to insect development and does not have other meanings outside of this context.

Synonyms:

• Incomplete metamorphosis: This is a phrase often used interchangeably with hemimetabolism.
• Nymphal development: Referring to the nymph stage of insects that undergo hemimetabolism.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs related to "hemimetabolism," as it is a technical term. However, you might hear phrases like "go through changes," which can be applied more broadly but does not specifically refer to hemimetabolism.

Summary:

Hemimetabolism is an important concept in understanding how certain insects grow and develop.

Academic

Noun

1. incomplete or partial metamorphosis in insects

Synonyms

• hemimetamorphosis
• hemimetaboly