chrysalid
/ˈkrɪsəlɪd/
noun
- A stage in the life of a butterfly or moth when it is inside a hard shell, changing from a caterpillar to an adult; a chrysalis.
- The caterpillar spun a silk pad and turned into a chrysalid.
- We watched the chrysalid slowly darken as the butterfly inside developed.
- The chrysalid hung from a twig, waiting for the butterfly to emerge.
adjective
- Relating to or resembling a chrysalis; in a stage of transformation or development.
- The artist described her chrysalid period of growth before her first big show.
- He felt chrysalid, hidden away and changing, before starting his new job.
- The city is in a chrysalid state, with new buildings rising everywhere.