The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 13 letter word METAMORPHOSES
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Latin work/undergoes transformation" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case latin work/undergoes transformation = metamorphoses.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does METAMORPHOSES mean?
METAMORPHOSES verb- (of a moth or insect) To undergo metamorphosis.
- (by extension) To undergo some transformation.
- To transform (something) so that it has a completely different appearance.
- A transformation, such as one performed by magic.
- A noticeable change in character, appearance, function or condition.
- 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.)
- A change in the structure of a specific body tissue. Usually degenerative.