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ecdysis

noun
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ec·​dy·​sis | \ ˈek-də-səs How to pronounce ecdysis (audio) \
plural ecdyses\ ˈek-​də-​ˌsēz How to pronounce ecdyses (audio) \

Definition of ecdysis

: the act of molting or shedding an outer cuticular layer
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Examples of ecdysis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web With our once-unthreatened understanding of selfhood, family, and civic purpose now being scrutinized under the microscope of the mob, our culture is in a moment of ecdysis. — Kayla Bartsch, National Review, "Marianne Williamson Offers Priestly Wisdom for a Nation Adrift — Seriously," 12 Aug. 2019 Growing larger causes spiders to molt, a process called ecdysis, Jo-Anne Sewlal, an arachnologist at the University of the West Indies, says via email. — Liz Langley, National Geographic, "Watch This Huge Tarantula Wriggle Out of Its Skin," 22 Apr. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ecdysis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of ecdysis

circa 1854, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for ecdysis

borrowed from Greek ékdysis "getting out, escape," from ekdýein "to take off, strip off," ekdýesthai "to strip oneself of, take off, get out of, escape" (from ec- ec- + dýein "to enter, make one's way into, [of clothing] get into, put on") + -sis -sis — more at adytum

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Time Traveler for ecdysis

The first known use of ecdysis was circa 1854

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More Definitions for ecdysis

ecdysis

noun
ec·​dy·​sis | \ ˈek-də-səs How to pronounce ecdysis (audio) \
plural ecdyses\ -​də-​ˌsēz How to pronounce ecdyses (audio) \

Medical Definition of ecdysis

: the act of molting or shedding an outer cuticular layer (as in insects and crustaceans)

Other Words from ecdysis

ecdysial \ ek-​ˈdiz-​ē-​əl How to pronounce ecdysial (audio) , -​ˈdizh-​(ē-​)əl How to pronounce ecdysial (audio) \ adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on ecdysis

Britannica English: Translation of ecdysis for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ecdysis

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