[meta.mor.pho.sis] n, pl -pho.ses [L, fr. Gk metamorphosis, fr. metamorphoun to transform, fr. meta- + morphe form] (1533) 1 a: change of physical form, structure, or substance esp. by supernatural means b: a striking alteration in appearance, character, or circumstances
2: a marked and more or less abrupt developmental change in the form or structure of an animal (as a butterfly or a frog) occurring subsequent to birth or hatching