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cocoon

Syllabification: (co·coon)

Pronunciation: /kəˈko͞on/

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Definition of cocoon

noun

a silky case spun by the larvae of many insects for protection in the pupal stage.
a covering that prevents the corrosion of metal equipment.
something that envelops or surrounds, especially in a protective or comforting way:the cocoon of her kimono figurativea warm cocoon of love

verb

[with object]

envelop or surround in a protective or comforting way:we began to feel cold even though we were cocooned in our sleeping bags
spray with a protective coating.
[no object] retreat from the stressful conditions of public life into the cozy private world of the family:the movers and shakers are now cocooning

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 British & World English dictionary

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