‖ Holometabola, n. pl. Entom.
(ˌhɒləʊmɪˈtæbələ)
[mod.L., neut. pl. (sc. insecta), f. Gr. ὁλο- holo- + µεταβόλος changeable.]
The insects which undergo complete metamorphosis. (More usually called simply Metabola.) Hence holometaˈbolic, holomeˈtabolous adjs., undergoing complete metamorphosis. holomeˈtabolism, holomeˈtaboly, complete metamorphosis.
| 1870 Rolleston Anim. Life Introd. 113 A period of quiescence as ‘pupæ’..gives the Holometabolous orders of Insects an advantage as regards their distribution over the colder regions. 1875 Blake Zool. 281 In the 3rd or holometabolic sub-class, the insect passes through 3 stages. |