(adj) of or relating to metamorphosis (especially of rocks), Syn. metamorphous, Example:metamorphic stage; marble is a metamorphic rock that takes a high polish
(adj) (of an insect with aquatic young) undergoing incomplete metamorphosis in which the young does not resemble the adult, Syn. hemimetabolic, hemimetamorphous, hemimetamorphic
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53 Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
a. [ See Metamorphosis. ] 1. Subject to change; changeable; variable. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. Causing a change of structure. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. (Geol.) Pertaining to, produced by, or exhibiting, certain changes which minerals or rocks may have undergone since their original deposition; -- especially applied to the recrystallization which sedimentary rocks have undergone through the influence of heat and pressure, after which they are called metamorphic rocks. [ 1913 Webster ]