n. pl. chrys·a·lis·es or chry·sal·i·des (krĭ-sălĭ-dēz′) 1. a. A pupa, especially of a butterfly. b. The hardened case of a pupa. 2. A protected stage of development. [Latin chrȳsallis, from Greek khrūsallis, khrūsallid-, gold-colored pupa of a butterfly, from khrūsos, gold; see CHRYSO-.] (click for a larger image) chrysalisswallowtail chrysalis Papilio machaon |
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