anamorphosis

anamorphosis
    n 1: the evolution of one type of organism from another by a
         long series of gradual changes [syn: {anamorphosis},
         {anamorphism}]
    2: a distorted projection or perspective; especially an image
       distorted in such a way that it becomes visible only when
       viewed in a special manner [syn: {anamorphosis},
       {anamorphism}]
    

Anamorphosis \An`a*mor"pho*sis\, n. [Gr. ?, fr. ? to form anew;
   ? again + ? to form; morfh` form.]
   1. (Persp.) A distorted or monstrous projection or
      representation of an image on a plane or curved surface,
      which, when viewed from a certain point, or as reflected
      from a curved mirror or through a polyhedron, appears
      regular and in proportion; a deformation of an image.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Biol.) Same as {Anamorphism}, 2.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. (Bot.) A morbid or monstrous development, or change of
      form, or degeneration.
      [1913 Webster]