Definition

1. Noun:
   • A complete change of physical form or substance, especially one that seems magical or supernatural: This meaning emphasizes a dramatic and often total transformation in the physical nature of something.
   • A striking change in appearance, character, or circumstances: This refers to a profound and noticeable alteration in the state or nature of a person, thing, or situation.
   • (Biology) The marked and rapid transformation of a larva into an adult that occurs in some animals: This is a specific biological process where an organism undergoes distinct developmental stages, such as a caterpillar changing into a butterfly.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The fairy tale featured the metamorphosis of a frog into a prince.
  • His metamorphosis from a shy student into a confident leader was remarkable.
  • The biology class studied the metamorphosis of a tadpole into a frog.

Advanced Usage

• "undergo a metamorphosis": to experience a complete change.
  • The neighborhood has undergone a total metamorphosis in the last decade.
• In literature and art: Often used metaphorically to describe profound personal or societal transformation.
  • The novel traces the protagonist's spiritual metamorphosis.

Variants and Related Words

• Metamorphic (adj): relating to or resulting from metamorphosis.
  • Metamorphic rocks are formed by heat and pressure.
• Metamorphose (verb): to change completely in form or nature.
  • The quiet town metamorphosed into a bustling city.

Synonyms

• Transformation: a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance.
• Transmutation: the action of changing or the state of being changed into another form.
• Alteration: a change, typically a slight one.

Related Phrases

• Complete metamorphosis (holometabolism): (Biology) A type of insect development involving four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
• Incomplete metamorphosis (hemimetabolism): (Biology) A type of insect development where the young resemble adults but are smaller and lack wings.

Related Idioms

• "A caterpillar-to-butterfly metamorphosis": Used to describe any dramatic and positive personal transformation.
  • Her recovery and success story was a true caterpillar-to-butterfly metamorphosis.

Noun

1. a complete change of physical form or substance especially as by magic or witchcraft
2. a striking change in appearance or character or circumstances
   • the metamorphosis of the old house into something new and exciting
3. the marked and rapid transformation of a larva into an adult that occurs in some animals