metamorphosis
UK[ˌmetəˈmɔːfəsɪs]US[ˌmetəˈmɔːrfəsɪs]
n
A complete change of form, structure, or substance, especially by magic or witchcraft.
n
The process of transformation from an immature form to an adult form in two or more distinct stages, as in insects or amphibians.
Morpheme Breakdown
meta
morph
osis
meta
change
morph
form
osis
process or condition
Etymology
The word 'metamorphosis' is a direct borrowing from Latin 'metamorphōsis', which itself originates from the Greek 'metamorphōsis', meaning "transformation." It is constructed from the Greek elements 'meta-' (implying change or alteration) and 'morphē' (meaning form or shape), combined with the abstract noun suffix '-ōsis'. The term was famously used in Ovid's "Metamorphoses," a narrative of mythological transformations, which cemented its association with magical or profound physical changes. In biological contexts, it was later adopted to describe the developmental process, such as a caterpillar's change into a butterfly, where the literal sense of "changing form" is precisely retained.
Analysis
Structure: meta (change) + morph (form) + osis (process or condition)
meta: Greek origin, meaning "change, transformation, or beyond."
morph: Greek origin, meaning "form, shape."
osis: Greek origin, a noun-forming suffix denoting "a process, condition, or state."
Examples
The metamorphosis of a tadpole into a frog is a fascinating natural process.
Kafka's novel "The Metamorphosis" explores the psychological and social alienation of a man who transforms into an insect.
The company underwent a complete metamorphosis, rebranding itself and shifting to a new business model.