Word Study
cocoon
CIDE DICTIONARY
cocoon, n. [F. cocon, dim. of coque shell of egge and insects, fr. L. concha mussel shell. See Conch.].
- An oblong case in which the silkworm lies in its chrysalis state. It is formed of threads of silk spun by the worm just before leaving the larval state. From these the silk of commerce is prepared. [1913 Webster]
- The case constructed by any insect to contain its larva or pupa. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
cocoon, n. & v.
--n.
1 a a silky case spun by many insect larvae for protection as pupae. b a similar structure made by other animals.
2 a protective covering, esp. to prevent corrosion of metal equipment.
--v.
1 tr. & intr. wrap in or form a cocoon.
2 tr. spray with a protective coating.
--n.
1 a a silky case spun by many insect larvae for protection as pupae. b a similar structure made by other animals.
2 a protective covering, esp. to prevent corrosion of metal equipment.
--v.
1 tr. & intr. wrap in or form a cocoon.
2 tr. spray with a protective coating.
Etymology
F cocon f. mod. Prov. coucoun dimin. of coca shell
ROGET THESAURUS
cocoon
Infant
N infant, babe, baby, babe in arms, nurseling, suckling, yearling, weanling, papoose, bambino, kid, vagitus, child, bairn, little one, brat, chit, pickaninny, urchin, bantling, bratling, elf, youth, boy, lad, stripling, youngster, youngun, younker, callant, whipster, whippersnapper, whiffet, schoolboy, hobbledehoy, hopeful, cadet, minor, master, scion, sap, seedling, tendril, olive branch, nestling, chicken, larva, chrysalis, tadpole, whelp, cub, pullet, fry, callow, codlin, codling, foetus, calf, colt, pup, foal, kitten, lamb, lambkin, aurelia, caterpillar, cocoon, nymph, nympha, orphan, pupa, staddle, girl, lass, lassie, wench, miss, damsel, demoiselle, maid, maiden, virgin, hoyden, infantine, infantile, puerile, boyish, girlish, childish, babyish, kittenish, baby, newborn, unfledged, new-fledged, callow, in the cradle, in swaddling clothes, in long clothes, in arms, in leading strings, at the breast, in one's teens.For further exploring for "cocoon" in Webster Dictionary Online
