molt

[ mohlt ]

verb (used without object)

1. (of birds, insects, reptiles, etc.) to cast or shed the feathers, skin, or the like, that will be replaced by a new growth.

verb (used with object)

1. to cast or shed (feathers, skin, etc.) in the process of renewal.

noun

1. an act, process, or an instance of molting.
2. something that is dropped in molting.

molt

/ məʊlt /

verb

1. the usual US spelling of moult

molt

/ mōlt /

1. To shed an outer covering, such as skin or feathers, for replacement by a new growth. Many snakes, birds, and arthropods molt.

Other Words From

• molter noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of molt¹

1300–50; earlier mout (with intrusive -l-; fault, assault ), Middle English mouten, Old English -mūtian to change (in bi-mūtian to exchange for) < Latin mūtāre to change; mutate

Example Sentences

Versatile and resilient, the lobster survives by molting, shedding its skin and growing into a new, bigger shell.

From New York Times

After years underground, periodical cicadas — insects of the genus Magicicada — are emerging by the trillions across more than a dozen states to molt, sing, court and mate.

From New York Times

Mr. Rave says that after the eggs hatch, many of the mothers go off to molt.

From NewsForKids.net

Then cold weather forced crawfish to go dormant, temporarily pausing the species’ feeding and molting process simultaneously, Shirley adds.

From National Geographic

But after molting several times, the avian vampire flies become large, plump maggots that are strong enough to drill into the chicks’ flesh.

From National Geographic