'metamorphism' originates from Greek elements: 'meta-' meaning 'change' and 'morphē' meaning 'form', combined with the noun-forming suffix '-ism'.

'metamorphism' developed via Latin and Medieval/Modern scientific usage from Greek 'metamorphōsis' (μεταμόρφωσις) → Latin/Medieval Latin 'metamorphosis' → Middle/Modern English; the specific noun form 'metamorphism' arose in scientific English to denote the process or condition.

Initially, the roots meant 'change of form'; over time the term retained that core meaning but became specialized—especially in geology—to denote rock alteration by heat/pressure.