heterometabolism

noun

het·​ero·​metabolism
"+
variants or less commonly heterometaboly
"+
of insects
: development with incomplete or direct metamorphosis in which the young nymph is fundamentally like the adult and no pupal stage precedes maturity
distinguished from holometabolism
compare hemimetabolism

Word History

Etymology

heter- + metabolism or metaboly

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Dictionary Entries Near heterometabolism

Cite this Entry

“Heterometabolism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heterometabolism. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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