3. (Geol.) Pertaining to, produced by, or exhibiting, certain changes
which minerals or rocks may have undergone since their original
deposition; -- especially applied to the recrystallization which
sedimentary rocks have undergone through the influence of heat and
pressure, after which they are called metamorphic rocks.
Met`a*mor"phism (?), n. (Geol.) The state or quality of being
metamorphic; the process by which the material of rock masses has been
more or less recrystallized by heat, pressure, etc., as in the change
of sedimentary limestone to marble. Murchison.
Met`a*mor"phist (?), n. (Eccl.) One who believes that the body of
Christ was merged into the Deity when he ascended.
Met`a*mor"phize (?), v. t. To metamorphose.
Met`a*mor"phose (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Metamorphosed (?); p. pr. &
vb. n. Metamorphosing.] [Cf. F. métamorphoser.] To change into a
different form; to transform; to transmute.
And earth was metamorphosed into man.
Dryden.
Met`a*mor"phose (?), n. [Cf. F. métamorphose. See Metamorphosis.] Same
as Metamorphosis.
Met`a*mor"pho*ser (?), n. One who metamorphoses. [R.] Gascoigne.
Met`a*mor"pho*sic (?), a. Changing the form; transforming. [R.]
Pownall.
Met`a*mor"pho*sis (?), n.; pl. Metamorphoses (#). [L., fr. Gr. &?;, fr.
&?; to be transformed; meta` beyond, over + morfh` form.]