chrysalis
[kris-uh-lis]
- the hard-shelled pupa of a moth or butterfly; an obtect pupa.
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Origin of chrysalis
1650–60; < Latin chrȳsalis < Greek chrȳsallís, equivalent to chrȳs- chrys- + -allis suffix, probably with diminutive value
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
evolution, advancement, expansion, improvement, increase, progress, maturity, progression, addition, reinforcement, enlargement, augmentation, hike, flowering, advance, boost, buildup, spread, adulthood, developingExamples from the Web for chrysalis
Contemporary Examples
Chrysalis, a new line of lingerie, aims to create undergarments for transgender women.
Historical Examples
I hate musical people; that is, when in the chrysalis state of learning.
Hers were ice cold—but inside they tingled and glowed, like a worm of fire in a chrysalis of ice.
The Incomplete AmoristE. Nesbit
The caterpillar and the chrysalis belong to the embryonic period.
The Sexual QuestionAugust Forel
He struck the only thing within his reach, the chrysalis case itself.
"Wee Tim'rous Beasties"Douglas English
Childhood is a chrysalis from which each must extricate himself.
Fantasia of the UnconsciousD. H. Lawrence
chrysalis
- the obtect pupa of a moth or butterfly
- anything in the process of developing
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Word Origin
C17: from Latin chrӯsallis, from Greek khrusallis, from khrusos gold, of Semitic origin; compare Hebrew harūz gold
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for chrysalis
n.
c.1600, from Latin chrysallis, from Greek khrysallis (genitive khrysallidos) "golden colored pupa of the butterfly," from khrysos "gold," perhaps of Semitic origin (cf. Hebrew and Phoenician harutz "gold") + second element meaning something like "sheath." Seeking a plural, OED leans toward the classically correct chrysalides.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
chrysalis
[krĭs′ə-lĭs]
- 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.
- The case or cocoon of a chrysalis.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.