word
holometabolous
hol-oh-meh-TAB-oh-lus
ˌhɒloʊmɛˈtæbələsListen
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Syllable breakdown
holometabolous
Dictionary meaning
Describing insects that undergo complete metamorphosis through four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
History and origin
Greek — 'holos' (whole) + 'metabolē' (change).
Common mispronunciations
HOL-oh-meh-tab-OH-lushoh-LOM-eh-tab-oh-lus
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