Definition

Describing an organism that undergoes a complete transformation during its life cycle, including distinct stages such as egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

Example

Butterflies are holometabolous insects, going through a complete metamorphosis from caterpillar to adult.

Conversation

Did you know some insects are holometabolous?

Really? What does that mean exactly?

It means they go through complete metamorphosis, like butterflies.

Oh, that’s interesting! I didn't know that about insects.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Holometabolous is formed from "holo-" (meaning whole or entire) and "metabolous" (from Greek "metabole", meaning change). The term describes insects that undergo a complete metamorphosis, involving distinct life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult, thus representing a whole or entire change in form.

Memory Tip

Think of 'whole' ('holo-') and 'change' ('metabolous') to remember that holometabolous refers to insects that undergo a complete transformation in their life cycle.

Visually Confused Words