ecdysis

noun

ec·dy·sis | \ ˈek-də-səs

How to pronounce ecdysis (audio)

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plural ecdyses\ ˈek-də-ˌsēz

How to pronounce ecdyses (audio)

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Definition of ecdysis

: the act of molting or shedding an outer cuticular layer

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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.

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Time Traveler for ecdysis

The first known use of ecdysis was circa 1854

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ecdysis

noun

ec·dy·sis | \ ˈek-də-səs

\

plural ecdyses\ -də-ˌsēz

\

Medical Definition of ecdysis

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

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assiduous

showing great care, attention, and effort

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