CHRYSALIS Meaning and
Definition
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A chrysalis is a noun that refers to a protective casing or pupa formed by certain insects, particularly butterflies and moths, during their metamorphosis from larva to adult form. It serves as a shelter for the insect while it undergoes profound changes in its body structure.
The chrysalis usually emerges from the larval stage, which is characterized by rampant feeding, and marks the transition into the pupal stage. It is during this time that the insect’s body undergoes complete reorganization and development, transforming it into its adult form. The chrysalis is typically rigid and stationary, well-protected from external threats by its tough outer shell.
While encased in the chrysalis, the insect's body undergoes a remarkable metamorphosis, during which certain structures dissolve and others develop. This process involves the restructuring of organs, tissues, and even the formation of new ones. The chrysalis acts as a safe space to house these intricate changes, allowing the insect to overcome the vulnerable phase of its development without risking its survival.
Once the transformation is complete, the adult butterfly or moth emerges from the chrysalis, ready to take flight and continue its life cycle. The chrysalis, therefore, represents a pivotal stage in the insect's transformation, serving as a transformative chamber that ensures a successful transition from pupa to fully formed adult.
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The second stage in the state of such insects as the butterfly, the moth, &c.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of CHRYSALIS
The word "chrysalis" is derived from the Ancient Greek word "khrusallis" (χρυσαλλίς), which means "gold-colored pupa". It is a combination of the Greek words "khrysos" (χρυσός), meaning "gold", and "alis" (ἄλις), meaning "pupa" or "worm". The term was later adopted into Latin as "chrysallis" and eventually evolved into its current form in English as "chrysalis".
Similar spelling words for CHRYSALIS
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