metamorphosis

noun

1. 1

   A transformation, such as one performed by magic.

2. 2

   A noticeable change in character, appearance, function or condition.

3. 3

   A change in the form and often habits of an animal after the embryonic stage during normal development. (e.g. the transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly or a tadpole into a frog.)

4. 4

   A change in the structure of a specific body tissue. Usually degenerative.