Chrysalis
/ˈkrɪs.əl.ɪs/noun
The pupa stage of a butterfly, during which it develops inside a protective casing.
Did you know?Ancient Greek chrysallís referred to a butterfly pupa because some species appeared golden or metallic, linking metamorphosis with the visual symbolism of alchemical gold.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ǵʰel-
“To shine or appear yellow-green; the ancient root associated with brightness and gold-colored things.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
khrusós
“Gold; a precious yellow metal.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
khrusallís
“A chrysalis or gold-colored pupa, formed from khrusós, “gold.””
1st Century BCE–1st Century CE
Latin
chrysallis
“A chrysalis or butterfly pupa, borrowed from Greek.”
17th Century
English
chrysalis
“A butterfly pupa or the enclosing case in which metamorphosis occurs.”
Modern English
English
chrysalis
“The developmental stage between a caterpillar and an adult butterfly; also metaphorically, a protected state of transformation.”