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cocoon

Pronunciation: /kəˈkuːn/

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Definition of cocoon

noun

1a silky case spun by the larvae of many insects for protection as pupae: the moth emerged from its pale yellow papery cocoon
something that envelops someone in a protective or comforting way:a cocoon of bedclothes figurativea warm cocoon of love

2a covering that prevents the corrosion of metal equipment.

verb

[with object]

1envelop in a protective or comforting way:we felt cold even though we were cocooned in our sleeping bags figurativewe remain cocooned in our own little world of fantasies
[no object] North American retreat from the stressful conditions of public life into the cosy private world of the family:Americans are spending more time cocooning at home

2spray with a protective coating.

Derivatives

cocooner

Origin:

late 17th century: from French cocon, from medieval Provençal coucoun 'eggshell, cocoon', diminutive of coca 'shell'. The verb dates from the mid 19th century

cocoon in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of cocoon in the US English dictionary

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