pupa

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun an insect in the inactive stage of development (when it is not feeding) intermediate between larva and adult

Borrowed from New Latin, from a special use of Latin pūpa (“little girl; doll, puppet”). Doublet of pupe; compare also puppet, puppy.

47, larva and pupa; Fig. — Our Common Insects: A Popular Account of the Insects of Our Fields, Forests, Gardens and Houses, A. S. (Alpheus Spring) Packard
The nymphs do not change into pupae. — The Insect Folk, Morley, Margaret Warner
So, if I am lucky, I turn at length to dingy pupa, and thus preserve my race." — "Wee Tim'rous Beasties": Studies of Animal life and Character, Douglas English

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