holometabolous

1 of 2

adjective

ho·​lo·​me·​tab·​o·​lous ˌhō-lō-mə-ˈta-bə-ləs How to pronounce holometabolous (audio)
ˌhä-
: characterized by complete metamorphosis
holometabolous insects
compare hemimetabolous
holometabolism
ˌhō-lō-mə-ˈta-bə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce holometabolous (audio)
ˌhä-
noun

holometabolism

2 of 2

noun

holo·​metabolism "+ How to pronounce holometabolism (audio)
of an insect
: development with complete metamorphosis
—distinguished from heterometabolism compare ametabolism
holometabolous
"+ How to pronounce holometabolism (audio)
adjective

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

ultimately from Greek hol- + metabolos changeable, from metabolē change — more at metabolism

Noun

hol- + Greek metabolē change + English -ism

First Known Use

Adjective

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of holometabolous was in 1870

Browse Nearby Words

holometabolism
holometabolous
holometaboly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Holometabolous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holometabolous. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

holometabolous

adjective
ho·​lo·​me·​tab·​o·​lous ˌhō-lō-mə-ˈtab-ə-ləs How to pronounce holometabolous (audio) ˌhäl-ō- How to pronounce holometabolous (audio)
: having complete metamorphosis
holometabolous insects
compare hemimetabolous
holometabolism
-ˌliz-əm How to pronounce holometabolous (audio)
noun
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