Hemimetabola

/ˌhɛmiˌmɛtəˈboʊlə/ noun

Definition

A classification of insects that undergo incomplete metamorphosis, where young insects (nymphs) resemble adults but lack fully developed wings.

Etymology

From Greek 'hemi-' (half), 'metabole' (change/transformation), and Latin '-a' (plural neuter ending). This scientific term was coined to distinguish insects with gradual development from those with complete metamorphosis.

Kelly Says

Hemimetabola insects prove that childhood doesn't have to be a completely different life stage—young grasshoppers and cockroaches look like tiny adults, slowly growing wings rather than having dramatic transformations like butterflies do.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.