metamorphose

Metamorphose is a verb meaning to undergo metamorphosis or to cause to undergo metamorphosis. In English, the noun metamorphosis is more common. The word comes from Greek meta- meaning change and morphe meaning form. It is used both in everyday language and in specialized contexts to describe transformation of form or character.

In biology, metamorphosis refers to developmental transformations where an animal’s body plan changes markedly after birth or hatching. In insects, there are two main patterns. Complete metamorphosis (holometabolism) involves four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Incomplete metamorphosis (hemimetabolism) consists of three stages: egg, nymph, and adult, with nymphs often resembling smaller versions of the adult and no pupal stage. Examples of complete metamorphosis include butterflies, moths, beetles, and bees; examples of incomplete metamorphosis include grasshoppers and many true bugs. Amphibians such as frogs and salamanders also undergo metamorphosis, transitioning from larval forms with gills and tails to air-breathing adults. In insects, hormonal controls such as juvenile hormone and ecdysone regulate the timing and nature of these changes.

Beyond biology, metamorphose is used metaphorically to describe drastic changes in appearance, identity, or function. It appears in literature, film, fashion, and technology to convey transformation, adaptation, or evolution of ideas, organizations, or cultures. The term is sometimes used as a title or motif to evoke radical change.