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Webster 1913 Edition

Cocoon

Co-coon′

,
Noun.
[F.
cocon
, dim. of
coque
shell of egge and insects, fr. L.
concha
mussel shell. See
Conch
.]
1.
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.
2.
(Zool.)
(a)
The case constructed by any insect to contain its larva or pupa.
(b)
The case of silk made by spiders to protect their eggs.
(c)
The egg cases of mucus, etc., made by leeches and other worms.

Webster 1828 Edition

Cocoon

COCOON

,
Noun.
An oblong ball or case in which the silk-worm involves itself, formed by threads which compose silk.

Definition 2024

cocoon

cocoon

English

Noun

cocoon ‎(plural cocoons)

  1. The silky protective case spun by the larvae of some insects and moths in which they metamorphose, the pupa.
  2. Any similar protective case, whether real or metaphorical.

Translations

Verb

cocoon ‎(third-person singular simple present cocoons, present participle cocooning, simple past and past participle cocooned)

  1. To envelop in a protective case
  2. To withdraw into such a case.

Translations

Etymology

From French cocon, diminutive of coque ‎(“shell”).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /kəˈkuːn/

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