pupa

pu·pa

noun \ˈpyü-pə\

plural pu·pae \-(ˌ)pē also -ˌpī\ or pupas

Definition of PUPA

: an intermediate usually quiescent stage of a metamorphic insect (as a bee, moth, or beetle) that occurs between the larva and the imago, is usually enclosed in a cocoon or protective covering, and undergoes internal changes by which larval structures are replaced by those typical of the imago

— pu·pal \ˈpyü-pəl\ adjective

Origin of PUPA

New Latin, from Latin pupa doll

First Known Use: 1815

Rhymes with PUPA

stupa

pu·pa

noun \ˈpyü-pə\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; pu·pae \-(ˌ)pē, -ˌpī\ (audio pronunciation) (audio pronunciation)or ; pupas

Medical Definition of PUPA

: an intermediate usually quiescent stage of an insect that occurs between the larva and the imago in forms (as a bee, moth, or beetle) which undergo complete metamorphosis and that is characterized by internal changes by which larval structures are replaced by those typical of the imago

—pu·pal \ˈpyü-pəl\ (audio pronunciation) adjective

pupa

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Inactive, nonfeeding stage in the life of insects that undergo complete metamorphosis. In a protective covering (cocoon or chrysalis), the larva is transformed into an adult. During pupation, a process controlled by hormones, larval structures break down and adult structures form; wings appear for the first time. The adult emerges either by splitting the pupal skin and chewing its way out or by secreting a fluid that softens the cocoon.