cocoon

== English == === Etymology === From French cocon, a diminutive of coque (“shell”). === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /kəˈkuːn/ [kʰɘ̞ˈkʰu̟ːn] Rhymes: -uːn Homophone: kokoon === Noun === cocoon (plural cocoons) The silky case spun by the larvae of some insects in which they metamorphose, protecting the pupa within. (also figurative) Any similar protective case. ==== Usage notes ==== Not to be confused with the word cacoon. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Descendants ==== → Malayalam: കൊക്കൂൺ (kokkūṇ) ==== Translations ==== === Verb === cocoon (third-person singular simple present cocoons, present participle cocooning, simple past and past participle cocooned) (transitive, also figuratively) To envelop in a protective case. (intransitive, also figuratively) To withdraw into such a case. ==== Translations ====