Langimage
English

ametaboly

|a-me-ta-bo-ly|

C2

/ˌæməˈtæbəli/

no metamorphosis

Etymology
Etymology Information

'ametaboly' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'ametabolos,' where 'a-' meant 'without' and 'metabolē' meant 'change.'

Historical Evolution

'ametabolos' transformed into the scientific term 'ametaboly' in English, maintaining its original meaning of 'without change.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'without change,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern scientific usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

ametaboly refers to a type of development in certain insects where there is no metamorphosis, and the young resemble the adults except in size and sexual maturity.

Silverfish exhibit ametaboly, growing larger with each molt but not undergoing significant changes in form.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/07/13 15:36