chrysalis

[kris-uh-lis]

noun

plural

chrysalises, chrysalides 

1. the hard-shelled pupa of a moth or butterfly; an obtect pupa.

chrysalis

/ ˈkrɪsəlɪs /

noun

1. the obtect pupa of a moth or butterfly

2. anything in the process of developing

chrysalis

1. The pupa of certain kinds of insects, especially of moths and butterflies, that is inactive and enclosed in a firm case or cocoon from which the adult eventually emerges.

2. The case or cocoon of a chrysalis.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chrysalis¹

1650–60; < Latin chrȳsalis < Greek chrȳsallís, equivalent to chrȳs- chrys- + -allis suffix, probably with diminutive value

Word History and Origins

Origin of chrysalis¹

C17: from Latin chrӯsallis, from Greek khrusallis, from khrusos gold, of Semitic origin; compare Hebrew harūz gold

Example Sentences

But Nirupama Rao, former Indian ambassador to Beijing and Washington, says India is "a titan in chrysalis" - too large and ambitious to bind itself to any single great power.

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Between “Snooze” and “Crybaby,” she was lifted on wires, revealing a gauze train in the shape of a chrysalis, to spellbinding effect.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

This sort of dark chrysalis that created the Donald Trump that we know today.

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Some may overwinter as adults, others in their immature stage as grubs, caterpillars or nymphs, while others will be in the pupal stage like a chrysalis or cocoon.

Read more on Seattle Times

Also like Mozart, Tao emerged from the often-precarious chrysalis of childhood as a prodigy to become a complex artist, tirelessly curious to seek out new challenges.

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Related Words

• advancement 
• evolution 
• expansion 
• improvement 
• increase 
• progress