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chrysalis
The definition of 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.
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See chrysalis in Webster's New World College Dictionary
noun pl. chrysalides or chrysalises
- 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
Origin: L chrysallis < Gr, golden-colored chrysalis of a butterfly < chrysos, gold: of Sem orig., as in Akkadian ḫurāṣu, Heb hārūz, gold, Aram harā, yellow
See chrysalis in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun pl. chrys·a·lis·es or chry·sal·i·des (krĭ-sălˈĭ-dēzˌ)
- A pupa, especially of a moth or butterfly, enclosed in a firm case or cocoon.
- A protected stage of development.
Origin:
Origin: Latin chrȳsallis
Origin: , from Greek khrūsallis, khrūsallid-, gold-colored pupa of a butterfly
Origin: , from khrūsos, gold; see chryso-
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