metamorphose

[ met-uh-mawr-fohz, -fohs ]

verb (used with object)

, met·a·mor·phosed, met·a·mor·phos·ing.

1. to change the form or nature of; transform.

   Synonyms: transmute, mutate

2. to subject to metamorphosis or metamorphism.

verb (used without object)

, met·a·mor·phosed, met·a·mor·phos·ing.

1. to undergo or be capable of undergoing a change in form or nature.

   Synonyms: transmute, mutate

metamorphose

/ ˌmɛtəˈmɔːfəʊz /

verb

1. to undergo or cause to undergo metamorphosis or metamorphism

Other Words From

• unmet·a·morphosed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of metamorphose¹

First recorded in 1570–80; back formation from metamorphosis

Example Sentences

Previous studies had found that smooth muscle cells metamorphose into different types of cells inside these atherosclerotic plaques and multiply to make up most cells within the plaques.

From Science Daily

Schott, who studies the visual system of vertebrates in his lab located at York's Keele Campus, has previously looked at vision changes of southern leopard frogs as they metamorphose from aquatic tadpoles to frogs living on land, and found a lot of differences.

From Science Daily

They pulsate, drip, twist, ooze, squirm and sometimes even metamorphose, and when they were displayed alongside the menacing work of the “Alien” artist H.R.

From New York Times

They pulsate, drip, twist, ooze, squirm and sometimes even metamorphose, and when they were displayed alongside the menacing work of the “Alien” artist H.R.

From New York Times

The axolotl is one of four central Mexico species that rarely, if ever, metamorphose in the wild.

From Science Magazine

Related Words

• mutate
• transmute