chrysalis

[ kris-uh-lis ]
/ ˈkrɪs ə lɪs /

noun, plural chrys·a·lis·es, chry·sal·i·des [kri-sal-i-deez] /krɪˈsæl ɪˌdiz/.

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

Origin of chrysalis

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

Example sentences from the Web for chrysalides

British Dictionary definitions for chrysalides

chrysalis
/ (ˈkrɪsəlɪs) /

noun plural chrysalises or chrysalides (krɪˈsælɪˌdiːz)

the obtect pupa of a moth or butterfly
anything in the process of developing

Word Origin for chrysalis

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

Scientific definitions for chrysalides

chrysalis
[ krĭsə-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.