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The order or mode of development of an organ or part.

A distorted or monstrous projection or representation of an image on a plane or curved surface, which, when viewed from a certain point, or as reflected from a curved mirror or through a polyhedron, appears regular and in proportion; a deformation of an image.

Transformation into the form of a human being.

A kind of metamorphosis, in certain insects, in which the larva itself undergoes remarkable changes of form and structure during its growth.

function of a living organism, by a natural process of growth or development; as, the metamorphosis of the yolk into the embryo, of a tadpole into a frog, or of a bud into a blossom. Especially, that form of sexual reproduction in which an embryo undergoes a series of marked changes of external form, as the chrysalis s…

The succession and variation of leaves during different seasons. R. Brown.

The assumption of several structural forms without a corresponding difference in function; -- said of sponges, etc.

A group of insects which do not undergo any metamorphosis. [Written also Ametabolia.]

Of or pertaining to insects that do undergo any metamorphosis.

Not undergoing any metamorphosis; as, ametabolic insects.

An instrument for restoring a picture or image distorted by anamorphosis to its normal proportions. It usually consists of a cylindrical mirror.

Same as Anamorphosis.

bles and maxillæ) with which they pierce the skin of animals. They undergo a complete metamorphosis, their larvæ (called maggots) being usually without feet.

A blood-sucking dipterous fly, of the genus Culex, undergoing a metamorphosis in water. The females have a proboscis armed with needlelike organs for penetrating the skin of animals. These are wanting in the males. In America they are generally called mosquitoes. See Mosquito.

Those insects which have an incomplete metamorphosis.

Having an incomplete metamorphosis, the larvæ differing from the adults chiefly in laking wings, as in the grasshoppers and cockroaches.

Those insects which have a complete metamorphosis; metabola.

Having a complete metamorphosis;-said of certain insects, as the butterflies and bees.

The early, immature form of any animal when more or less of a metamorphosis takes place, before the assumption of the mature shape.

A comprehensive group of insects, including those that undegro a metamorphosis.