pupa
UK[ˈpjuːpə]US[ˈpjuːpə]
n
an insect in the stage of development between larva and adult, during which it is often enclosed in a case or cocoon.
Etymology
the word 'pupa' was borrowed directly from latin in the late 18th century, where it meant 'girl, doll'. this latin term was applied by swedish naturalist carl linnaeus to describe the seemingly dormant, doll-like stage of insect metamorphosis. the choice of this term reflects the observed appearance of the insect at this stage, which is often immobile and enclosed, much like a doll in a case. the latin word itself is likely derived from a proto-indo-european root meaning 'to swell', which also gave rise to words like 'puppet', further emphasizing the concept of a formed but inanimate figure.
Analysis
the word is a simplex loanword from latin. it does not contain separable morphemes within its modern english spelling.
Examples
the caterpillar will soon encase itself and become a pupa.
we observed the pupa of a butterfly inside the transparent chrysalis.
during the pupal stage, the insect undergoes a complete transformation.