Pronunciation: ˌ h ō -l ō -m ə - ' ta-b ə -l ə s, ˌ hä-
Function: adjective
Etymology: ultimately from Greek hol- + metabolor changeable, from metabol ē change ― more at METABOLISM
Date: 1870
: characterized by complete metamorphosis < holometabolous insects> ― compare HEMIMETABOLOUS
– ho · lo · me · tab · o · lism \ - ˌ li-z ə m \ noun