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Definition of: chrysalis
(kris′ə·lis) noun plural chrys·a·lis·es or chry·sal·i·des (kri·sal′ə·dēz) Entomol.
1. The pupa of an insect, especially of a butterfly; the capsule-enclosed stage between caterpillar and butterfly during which the individual develops and from which the winged adult emerges. See illustration under PUPA.
2. Anything in an undeveloped or transitory stage. [<L <Gk. chrysallis golden sheath of a butterfly <chrysos gold]
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