Definition of: metamorphosis

(met′ə·môr′fə·sis) noun plural ·pho·ses (-fə·sēz)
1. A passing from one form or shape into another; transformation with or without change of nature: especially applied to change by means of witchcraft, sorcery, etc.
2. Complete transformation of character, purpose, circumstances, etc.; also, a person or thing metamorphosed.
3. Biol. A change in form, structure, or function in an organism resulting from development; transformation; specifically, the series of marked external changes through which an individual passes after leaving the egg and before attaining sexual maturity, as the larva, pupa, and imago of an insect. Compare METAGENESIS.
4. Bot. The varied development of plant organs of the same morphological value, such development resulting from their adaptations of different functions: also met′a·mor′phy.
5. Pathol. A morbid change of the elements of tissues into another form of structure.
6. The changes in form going on in living tissues, blood corpuscles, etc. [<L <Gk. metamorphōsis <metamorphoein transform <meta- beyond + morphē form]