noun
chrysalis
KRIS-uh-lis/ˈkrɪsəlɪs/
A butterfly’s pupa during its transformation into an adult.
A green chrysalis hangs from the twig as a butterfly develops inside.
Etymology
Greek khrysallis named a golden-colored butterfly pupa, drawing on khrysos, “gold.” That color-based name came to denote the pupal stage itself, as well as its outer case.
In context
Once the caterpillar is big enough, it stops eating. It then forms a protective layer around itself. This stage is called chrysalis.
More examples
- The caterpillar has become a chrysalis.
- An adult butterfly emerges from the chrysalis.
- Several chrysalises hang from the branches.
Forms
chrysalis · chrysalises · chrysalides
Similar words
- cocoon
- A cocoon is an outer silk covering made by some insects; chrysalis refers to the butterfly's pupal stage itself.