holometabolous
adjective
ho·lo·me·tab·o·lous ˌhō-lō-mə-ˈta-bə-ləs 
ˌhä-
: characterized by complete metamorphosis
holometabolous insects
compare hemimetabolous holometabolism
ˌhō-lō-mə-ˈta-bə-ˌli-zəm
noun ˌhä-
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The hemimetabolous species, as well as some of the holometabolous species such as the honey bees, have the same diet throughout their lives. 
Popular Science, 20 Oct. 2020
Popular Science, 20 Oct. 2020 Word History
Etymology
ultimately from Greek hol- + metabolos changeable, from metabolē change — more at metabolism
First Known Use
1870, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
holometabolous
adjective
ho·lo·me·tab·o·lous ˌhō-lō-mə-ˈtab-ə-ləs ˌhäl-ō-
ˌhäl-ō- : having complete metamorphosis
holometabolous insects
compare hemimetabolous