Agency Dictionary
chrysalis
nounPronunciation: /ˈkrɪs.ə.lɪs/
In Portuguese: crisálida
Science & Health
Psychology & MindWhat does “chrysalis” mean?
The transitional pupal stage of a butterfly encased in a protective shell, often used figuratively to describe personal renewal or metamorphosis.
Etymology
From Latin chrysallis, from Greek khrysallis, "the gold-coloured pupa of a butterfly", from khrysos, "gold". The name refers to the metallic sheen of the pupae of some butterflies. English has used the word since the 17th century. The figurative sense, of a sheltered stage that comes before a transformation, follows from the insect's metamorphosis.
Usage note
The plural is chrysalises or, in scientific writing, chrysalides. The word is used of butterflies; for other insects the general term is pupa.
Synonyms
- pupa
- cocoon
Often confused with
- cocoon
- A cocoon is the silk case that many moth caterpillars spin around themselves; the chrysalis is the pupa of a butterfly itself, with its hard skin.
Word family
- chrysalid
- chrysanthemum
- chrysolite
Usage examples
Lunna is like a human chrysalis with two small feet, ready to kick any outer shell and spread her new wings towards new horizons.
Concept
Source editions
Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.
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