Webster's English Dictionary

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cocoon

co.coon \k*-'ku:n\ n [F cocon, fr. Prov coucoun, fr. coco shell, fr. L 
   coccumX excrescence on a tree, fr. Gk kokkos grain seed, kermes berry 1a: 
   an envelope often largely of silk which an insect larva forms about its elf 
   and in which it passes the pupa stage 1b: any of various other protective 
   coverings produced by animals  2: a covering suggesting a cocoon; specif : 
   a protective covering p laced or sprayed over military or naval equipment 
   in storage