from
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)
cocoon
n 1: silky envelope spun by the larvae of many insects to
protect pupas and by spiders to protect eggs
v 1: retreat as if into a cocoon, as from an unfriendly
environment; "Families cocoon around the T.V. set most
evenings"; "She loves to stay at home and cocoon"
2: wrap in or as if in a cocoon, as for protection
from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Cocoon \Co*coon"\, n. [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.
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]