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chrysalis Definition

chrysa·lis (kris′ə lis)

noun pl. chrysalides chry·sal′i·des′ (kri sal′ə dēz′) or chrysalises chrys′a·lises

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

Etymology: L chrysallis < Gr, golden-colored chrysalis of a butterfly < chrysos, gold: of Sem orig., as in Akkadian ḫurāṣu, Heb hārūz, gold, Aram harā, yellow

chrysalis Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • caterpillar: Feeding on chrysalis of small caterpillars that festooned one particular tree.

Converse of object

  • become: And what does the chrysalis become when it opens?

Modifies a noun

  • stage: This is one of the few butterflies that spends the winter in the chrysalis stage.
  • radio: Chrysalis Radio is the second largest commercial radio operator in the UK.
  • book: Chrysalis Books only used suppliers who were environmentally aware, preferably with ISO 14001 accreditation.
  • transformation: Butterflies may use the house for roosting, as a winter hibernation place or for the chrysalis transformation stage over winter.