Here's how it's used in different contexts:
Geology:
* In geology, "metamorphic" refers to rocks that have been transformed by heat, pressure, or chemical reactions. These changes alter the original minerals and texture of the rock, resulting in a new rock type. Examples of metamorphic rocks include marble, slate, and gneiss.
Biology:
* In biology, "metamorphic" describes a process of physical transformation that some animals undergo during their life cycle. This is particularly true for insects like butterflies and amphibians like frogs. The larval stage undergoes significant changes to become the adult form.
General Usage:
* In a more general sense, "metamorphic" can be used to describe any significant change or transformation. For example, you could talk about a person undergoing a "metamorphic" period in their life, meaning they are experiencing a period of significant growth and change.
So, "metamorphic" is a word that captures the essence of change and transformation, whether it's happening in the earth's crust, within a living organism, or in the life of an individual.