ˈkrisələ̇s noun
( plural chry·sal·i·des krə̇ˈsaləˌdēz ; or chrysalises ˈkrisələ̇sə̇z)
Etymology: Latin chrysallis gold-colored pupa of butterflies, from Greek, from chrysos gold, of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew ḥārūṣ gold, Assyro-Babylonian khurāṣu
1. : the pupa of insects (as of butterflies) that pass the pupal stage in a quiescent and helpless condition without taking food, being enclosed in a more or less firm integument ; also : the enclosing integument or case of a pupa
2. : a protecting covering : a sheltered state or stage of being or growth