chryso-, chrys-

(Greek: the color gold, golden, golden yellow)

chrysaline (adjective), more chrysaline, most chrysaline
Relating to the final stage of the development of a pupa into an adult butterfly: The chrysaline process is when the outer skin is a hard protective case surrounding the inactive stage of development of a butterfly (when it is not feeding) between the larva (after leaving the egg) process and going into the adult period.
chrysalis, chrysalid (s) (noun), chrysalises, chrysalides (pl)
1. The third stage in the development of butterflies; also, called the pupa. During the chrysalis, or chrysalid phase, the caterpillar of a butterfly spins no cocoon, but suspends itself with a silken button or by a belt and button and it is enclosed in a firm case or envelope.

Although some moths form similar naked pupae, the term chrysalis is usually applied only to those of the butterflies.

2. Etymology: Latin chrysallis; from Greek khrusallis, khrusallid-, "gold-colored pupa of a butterfly"; from khrusos, "gold".
—Compiled primarily from information located in
Van Nostrand's Scientific Encyclopedia, seventh edition;
Van Nostrand Reinhold; New York; 1989; page 636.
chrysanthemum (kri SAN thuh muhm, kri ZAN thuh muhm) (s), chrysanthemums (pl)
1. Any of numerous, mostly Eurasian plants of the genus Chrysanthemum in the composite family, many of which are cultivated as ornamentals for their showy radiate flower heads: Chrysanthemums flower or bloom in about three months after their seeds are sowed and they have long flowering periods.
2. A perennial garden plant with many cultivated varieties. Chrysanthemums are flowers that are brightly colored, with many varied shapes, and small densely clustered petals.

Chrysanthemums are available in a wide variety of colors, from white, to yellow and gold, pink, orange, bronze, deep red, maroon, violet and purple; and some chrysanthemums are a mixture of two or even more colors.

3. Etymology: from Latin chrysanthemum; from Greek khrusanthemon, "gold flower"; from khrus-, khruso-, chryso- + anthemon, "flower".
A variety of chrysanthemums colors.
chryselephantine (adjective), more chryselephantine, most chryselephantine
1. A reference to something that is made of gold and ivory: Certain chryselephantine pieces of sculpture or artwork were done in ancient Greece.
2. Etymology: from Greek khruselephantinos which came from khrus-, khruso-, chryso-, "gold" + elephas, elephant-, "ivory".
chrysiasis (s) (noun), chrysiases (pl)
Gold particles in the tissues as a result of a prolonged or ab excessive parenteral chrysotherapy: The common symptoms of chrysiasis include dermatitis, stomatitis, and a transient mild proteinuria.

More serious results of chrysiasis involves hematopoietic system, liver, kidney, eye (cornea, and lens) and sometimes other vital organs.

chrysoberyl (s) (noun), chrysoberyls (pl)
A mineral, beryllium aluminate of various shades of greenish-yellow or gold colors: Chrysoberyl is a mineral which crystallizes and is used as a gemstone in jewelry.
chrysocarpous (adjective), more chrysocarpous, most chrysocarpous
Pertaining to plants that produce golden-yellow fruit.
chrysochlore (s) (noun), chrysochlores (pl)
A South African mole of the genus, or classification, Chrysochloris: The chrysochlore is a golden mole, the fur of which reflects colors of green and gold.

Golden moles, or chrysochlores, are all similar in appearance, with cylindrical (round) bodies and other anatomical adaptations to suit their burrowing lifestyles.

The chrysochlores from southern Africa have short legs with powerful digging claws, dense fur that repels moisture, and toughened skin; especially, on their heads.

These chrysochlores have nonfunctional eyes covered with skin and they do not have any external ears.

Here Are Four of Eighteen Species of Golden Moles, or Chrysochlores

  • Cape Golden Mole: Although secretive, this is a common species in parts of South Africa and it uses the enlarged toes on its front feet for digging tunnels in the earth.
  • Cape Golden Mole, a common species in parts of South Africa.
  • Juliana's Golden Mole: Unique to the dry highlands of South Africa, normally in sandy soils, this species frequents well-irrigated gardens within its range of existence.
  • Hottentot Golden Mole: This golden mole lives in tunnel systems up to 655 feet (200 meters) long, using the large second and third toes on its front feet for digging.
  • Grant's Desert Golden Mole: Inhabiting the southwest African coastal dunes, or hills of sand, one of the world's driest habitats, this species "swims" through sand instead of building tunnels.
  • Grants Golden Mole, habitat is in sand.
—Compiled primarily from
Smithsonian Natural History; DK Publishing;
New York; 2010; page 513.
chrysocracy (s) (noun), chrysocracies (pl)
Rule of the wealthy; a plutocracy: A chrysocracy is considered a governing power or ruling of a country by those who have the gold to back up their wealth and strong political influences.
Whoever has the gold makes the rules.
chrysocrat (s) (noun), chrysocrats (pl)
A person who is wealthy and has significant power and influence: Is it possible that this chrysocrat, or plutocrat, has a substantial amount of gold at his disposal to support his rich status?
Someone who has power or influence because of his or her wealth.
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chrysocyanosis (s) (noun), chrysocyanoses (pl)
The pigmentation of the skin as a result of a reaction to therapeutic use of gold salts.
chrysoderm (s) (noun), chrysoderms (pl)
The layer of bodily tissue or skin: Chrysoderm is a condition that consists of gray pigmentation of the skin that results from the medical application of gold salts in the tissues which can result from the parenteral (intramuscular or intravenous injection) administration of gold preparations for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

The term gold salts, or gold sodium thiomalate, is a water-soluble gold preparation which is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis that include active joint inflammations.

chrysoderma (s) (noun), chrysodermas (pl) (pl)
A pigmentation or discoloration of the skin which is caused by the use of gold preparations: Chrysodermas are usually existing in spots here and there and are made worse when exposed to sunlight.

Chrysoderma can have a permanent gray to light purple color on the face, eyelids, and other sun-exposed areas of a person's body.

chrysographer (s) (noun), chrysographers (pl)
An artist who writes descriptions in gold colors.
chrysography (s) (noun), chrysographies (pl)
1. The art of writing in inks containing gold suspended in a small amount of glair or gum.
2. The gold writing produced by this artistic method.