Incomplete metamorphosis is a term used to describe the process of insect development where there are three distinct life stages: egg, nymph and adult. However, there are several synonyms that can be used to describe this process, including hemimetabolism, partial metamorphosis, and gradual metamorphosis. All of these terms refer to the same process where the young insect, or nymph, resembles the adult but is smaller and lacks some of the adult features. As the nymph feeds and grows, it eventually molts and develops into an adult. This process is in contrast to complete metamorphosis, where the insect goes through a larval stage before pupating and emerging as an adult.