chrysalis
chrysalis Lexical Profile
chrysalis Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A butterfly or moth in the quiescent pupal stage of development between the larva (caterpillar) and the winged adult (imago).
"The biology students observed the monarch chrysalis closely as its wings became visible through the translucent shell."
The hard, protective outer case or shell enclosing a butterfly pupa during metamorphosis.
"After emerging, the butterfly clung to the empty chrysalis for several hours while its wings dried and expanded."
A sheltered state or transitional stage of growth, preparation, and transformation.
"University served as an intellectual chrysalis from which she emerged as a confident researcher."
Word Nuance & Usage
While often confused with a cocoon, a chrysalis is the hardened outer skin of a butterfly pupa itself, whereas a cocoon is a protective silk casing spun by a moth larva around its pupa.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 17th century from Latin chrysalis, from Ancient Greek khrusallis ('gold-colored pupa of a butterfly'), derived from khrusos ('gold') in reference to the metallic gold sheen of certain butterfly pupae.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.