metamorphosis
UK: ˌmetəˈmɔːfəsɪs | US: ˌmetəˈmɔːrfəsɪs
n. a profound or marked change in form, structure, or substance
n. (biology) the process of transformation from an immature form to an adult form in distinct stages (e.g., caterpillar to butterfly)
n. (figurative) a striking alteration in appearance, character, or circumstances
Derived from Greek metamorphoun ("to transform"), combining meta- (indicating change or transcendence) and morphē ("form"). The suffix -osis denotes a process or state, often used in biological and medical terms. The word reflects the concept of transcending one form to assume another, originally applied to mythological transformations (e.g., Ovid’s Metamorphoses) and later adopted in biology to describe developmental stages like insect metamorphosis.
The butterfly’s metamorphosis from caterpillar to winged adult fascinates scientists.
The company underwent a metamorphosis after rebranding, emerging as a tech leader.
In mythology, Zeus often used metamorphosis to disguise himself.
Tadpoles experience metamorphosis to become frogs.
Her artistic style showed a dramatic metamorphosis over the decade.