chrys·a·lis / ˈkrisələs/ (also chrys·a·lid / ˈkrisəˌlid/ ) • n. (pl. -lis·es) a quiescent insect pupa, esp. of a butterfly or moth. ∎  the hard outer case of this, esp. after being discarded. ∎ fig. a preparatory or transitional state: she emerged from the chrysalis of self-conscious adolescence.ORIGIN: early 17th cent.: from Latin chrysal(l)is, chrysal(l)id-, from Greek khrusallis, from khrusos ‘gold’ (because of the gold color or metallic sheen of the pupae of some species).

chrysalis (pl. chrysalises or chrysalides) Pupal stage of a butterfly, having a hard outer covering beneath which the forming legs, wings, and antennae can sometimes be seen. Chrysalises are usually attached to the underside of leaves on stems, or on pieces of rock. They are frequently camouflaged to resemble their environment. See also LEPIDOPTERA; PUPA.

chrysalis Intermediate or pupal stage in the life cycle of all insects that undergo complete metamorphosis. The chrysalis is usually covered with a hard case, but some pupae, such as the silk moth, spin a silk cocoon. Within the chrysalis, feeding and locomotion stop and the final stages of the development take place. See also lepidoptera

chrysalis XVII (occas. with -ll-). — L. chrȳsal(l)is — Gr. khrūsallís gold-coloured sheath of butterflies, f. khrūsós gold.

chrysalis See pupa.