The term metamorphosis refers to a significant change in form, structure, or appearance, especially one that occurs during the life cycle of an organism. This word is commonly used in biology to describe the transformation of some animals, such as a caterpillar turning into a butterfly. Metamorphosis can also be used more broadly to describe any profound change in character, composition, or condition.
The word "metamorphosis" comes from the Greek word "metamorphōsis," which is formed from "meta," meaning "beyond," and "morphē," meaning "shape" or "form." It has been adopted into English through Latin and has retained its original meaning of transformation.