Cocoon
/kəˈkuːn/noun
A protective case spun by certain insects to enclose their pupae.
Did you know?In ancient times, cocoons were often associated with rebirth and the soul's journey, making them symbols of transformation in various cultures.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kwekw-
“To twist, to twist together; a root associated with weaving and wrapping.”
Latin
Latin
coconus
“A term for a protective covering, related to the act of weaving.”
Old French
Old French
cocoon
“A protective case or covering, especially for silkworms.”
Middle English
Middle English
cocoun
“A term for the casing spun by insects, particularly silkworms.”
Modern English
English
cocoon
“The current term for the protective case made by larvae, particularly in the context of metamorphosis.”