Moult: meaning, definitions and examples

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moult

[ məʊlt ]

^{Context #1}

animal shedding

The shedding of feathers, skin, hair, or an exoskeleton, especially when replaced by a new growth.

Synonyms

molting, shedding, sloughing

Examples of usage

The bird is going through its annual moult, dropping old feathers and growing new ones.
After the moult, the snake's skin is shiny and fresh.
The crab undergoes moulting to accommodate its growth.
The process of moult is essential for the animal to renew its outer covering.
The moult cycle varies among different species of animals.

^{Context #2}

animal action

To shed old feathers, skin, hair, or an exoskeleton, especially to be replaced by new growth.

Synonyms

cast off, shed, slough

Examples of usage

The snake will moult its skin to reveal the new scales.
During spring, birds moult to prepare for the warm season.
It is common for animals to moult periodically for growth and renewal.
The insect will moult to accommodate its increasing size.
After moulting, the crab's exoskeleton will harden and protect it.

Translations

Translations of the word "moult" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mudar a pele

🇮🇳 केस बदलना

🇩🇪 häuten

🇮🇩 menggugurkan bulu

🇺🇦 линяти

🇵🇱 linienie

🇯🇵 脱皮する (dappi suru)

🇫🇷 muer

🇪🇸 mudar

🇹🇷 tüy dökmek

🇰🇷 털갈이하다 (teolgalihada)

🇸🇦 يطرح الريش (yatarah alraysh)

🇨🇿 pelichat

🇸🇰 pĺznutie

🇨🇳 蜕皮 (tuì pí)

🇸🇮 osipanje

🇮🇸 fella fjöður

🇰🇿 жүнін түсіру

🇬🇪 გაყრა

🇦🇿 tük tökmək

🇲🇽 mudar

Word origin

The word 'moult' originated from Middle English 'mouten' or 'muten', which came from Old English 'mūtan' meaning 'to change'. The concept of moulting is prevalent in the animal kingdom, where creatures shed their old outer coverings to make way for new growth. This natural process is essential for the renewal and growth of feathers, skin, hair, or exoskeletons in various species.