metamorphosis
/,metə'mɔ:fəsis/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- a complete change of physical form or substance especially as by magic or witchcraft
- a striking change in appearance or character or circumstances
- the metamorphosis of the old house into something new and exciting
- the marked and rapid transformation of a larva into an adult that occurs in some animals