chrysalises

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