metamorphosis
nounUK /ˌmetəˈmɔːfəsɪs/
US /ˌmetəˈmɔːrfəsɪs/
A big change in how a person or animal looks or lives.
The caterpillar's metamorphosis into a butterfly amazed the children.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The process by which some animals change form as they grow, like a tadpole becoming a frog.
Frogs go through metamorphosis as they grow from tadpoles.
3. A complete change in someone's character or way of life.
Her move to the countryside caused a metamorphosis in her daily habits.
4. A change in the form of something, such as rock changing under heat and pressure.
The metamorphosis of limestone under heat creates marble.