[kuh-koon] 
| 1. | the silky envelope spun by the larvae of many insects, as silkworms, serving as a covering while they are in the pupal stage. |
| 2. | any of various similar protective coverings in nature, as the silky case in which certain spiders enclose their eggs. |
| 3. | a protective covering, usually consisting of polyvinyl chloride, sprayed over machinery, large guns on board ships, etc., to provide an airtight seal and prevent rust during long periods of storage. |
| 4. | any encompassingly protective or hermetic wrapping or enclosure resembling a cocoon: a cocoon of gauze. |
| 5. | to produce a cocoon. |
| 6. | to wrap or enclose tightly, as if in a cocoon: The doctor cocooned the patient in blankets. |
| 7. | to provide (machinery, guns, etc.) with a protective, airtight covering by spraying with polyvinyl chloride or the like. |
| 8. | to envelop or surround protectively; insulate: a political leader cocooned by his staff and his bodyguards. |
| co·coon (kə-kōōn') n.
v. tr. To envelop in or as if in a cocoon, as for protection from a harsh or unfriendly environment. v. intr. To retreat as if into a cocoon, as for security from a harsh or unfriendly environment. [French cocon, from Provençal coucoun, diminutive of coco, shell, from Late Latin coccum, from Latin, berry, oak gall, from Greek kokkos, seed, berry.] |
cocoon (kə-k n') Pronunciation Key
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cocoon
a case produced in the larval stage of certain animals (e.g., butterflies, moths, leeches, earthworms, Turbellaria) for the resting pupal stage (see pupa) in the life cycle. Certain spiders spin a fibrous mass, or cocoon, to cover their eggs
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