ecdysis

noun

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ec·dy·sis | \ ˈek-də-səs

plural ecdyses\ ˈek-də-ˌsēz

Definition of ecdysis

: the act of molting or shedding an outer cuticular layer

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.