molting

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Word: Molting

Definition:
Molting is the process where certain animals, like arthropods (insects, spiders, and crustaceans) and reptiles (like snakes and lizards), shed their old skin or outer layer to allow for growth or to get rid of parasites.

Usage Instructions:

• As a noun: "The molting of the snake took several days."
• In context: You can use "molting" when talking about animals that change their skin or outer covering.

Example Sentences:

1. "After the bird finished molting, its feathers looked bright and new."
2. "Many insects go through molting several times during their life cycle."

Advanced Usage:

In scientific contexts, you might hear about "ecdysis," which is a specific term for the molting process in arthropods. You might also encounter "exuviation," which refers to the shedding of the outer layer.

Word Variants:

• Molt (verb): To shed skin or outer covering. Example: "The snake will molt its skin next week."
• Molt (noun): The process of shedding. Example: "The molt can be a vulnerable time for birds."

Different Meanings:

• Molting in Animals: Refers specifically to the shedding of skin or feathers.
• Molting in Plants: In botany, it can refer to plants shedding leaves or other parts, though this usage is less common.

Synonyms:

• Shedding
• Ecdysis (more technical/scientific)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "molting," but you might hear phrases like "turning over a new leaf," which can metaphorically relate to shedding the old in favor of the new.

Summary:

Molting is an important process for many animals, helping them to grow and stay healthy.

Academic

Noun

1. periodic shedding of the cuticle in arthropods or the outer skin in reptiles

Synonyms

• molt
• moult
• moulting
• ecdysis