蛹さなぎ

noun

chrysalis; pupa

Entomological term for the stage between larva and adult in insects that undergo complete metamorphosis. Also used metaphorically for a transitional or preparatory stage.

• 毛け虫むしが蛹さなぎになって、やがて蝶ちょうになった。

  The caterpillar turned into a chrysalis and eventually became a butterfly.

• 彼かれの才さい能のうはまだ蛹さなぎの状じょう態たいだ。

  His talent is still in a pupal stage.