Definition

Noun: - Incomplete or partial metamorphosis in insects: A type of insect development where the young (nymphs) resemble the adult form but are smaller and lack fully developed wings and reproductive organs. The nymph undergoes a series of molts, gradually growing and developing adult features without a pupal stage.

Usage

• This term is used specifically in entomology (the study of insects) to describe a particular life cycle.
• It is a technical, scientific term.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• The adjective form is hemimetabolous.
  • Dragonflies are hemimetabolous insects.
• The process is also called hemimetaboly or simple metamorphosis.

Variants and Related Words

• Hemimetabolous (adj): Describing an insect that undergoes incomplete metamorphosis.
• Hemimetaboly (n): Another term for hemimetabolism.
• Holometabolism (n): The contrasting term for complete metamorphosis (e.g., butterfly: egg, larva, pupa, adult).
• Ametabolism (n): Little or no metamorphosis (e.g., silverfish).

Synonyms

• Incomplete metamorphosis
• Simple metamorphosis
• Hemimetaboly

Antonyms

• Holometabolism (complete metamorphosis)

Noun

1. incomplete or partial metamorphosis in insects