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chrysalis

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Definition of chrysalis

noun (plural chrysalises)

a quiescent insect pupa, especially of a butterfly or moth: the transformation from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis and, finally, adult
the hard outer case enclosing a chrysalis: the splitting of the chrysalis and the slow unfolding of the wings
a transitional state:she emerged from the chrysalis of self-conscious adolescence

Origin:

early 17th century: from Latin chrysal(l)is, chrysal(l)id-, from Greek khrusallis, from khrusos 'gold' (because of the gold colour or metallic sheen of some pupae)

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