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

Related Words

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