chrysalis

A chrysalis is a hard shell spun by a caterpillar, moth or other insect in which a transformation or growth takes place. (noun)

An example of chrysalis is the cocoon a caterpillar makes to become a butterfly.

See chrysalis in Webster's New World College Dictionary

the pupa of a butterfly, the form of the insect when between the larval and adult stages and in a case or cocoon
the case or cocoon
a stage of development when something or someone is still protected

See chrysalis in American Heritage Dictionary 4

(krĭsˈə-lĭs)

noun pl. chrys·a·lis·es or chry·sal·i·des (krĭ-sălˈĭ-dēzˌ)

Learn more about chrysalis

» chrysalis science

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