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chrysalis

 - 3 dictionary results

chrys⋅a⋅lis

  [kris-uh-lis]
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–noun, plural chrys⋅a⋅lis⋅es, chry⋅sal⋅i⋅des  [kri-sal-i-deez] .
the hard-shelled pupa of a moth or butterfly; an obtect pupa.
Origin:
1650–60; < L chrȳsalis < Gk chrȳsallís, equiv. to chrȳs- chrys- + -allis suffix, prob. with dim. value
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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chrys·a·lis   (krĭs'ə-lĭs)   
n.   pl. chrys·a·lis·es or chry·sal·i·des (krĭ-sāl'ĭ-dēz')

  1. A pupa, especially of a moth or butterfly, enclosed in a firm case or cocoon.

  2. A protected stage of development.


[Latin chrȳsallis, from Greek khrūsallis, khrūsallid-, gold-colored pupa of a butterfly, from khrūsos, gold; see chryso-.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

chrysalis 
1601, from L. chrysallis, from Gk. chrysallis "golden colored," from chrysos "gold," of Sem. origin, + second element meaning something like "sheath."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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