Nota: A tradução desta entrada está atualmente em revisão de qualidade, portanto parte do conteúdo é exibida temporariamente apenas em inglês.
Este verbete ainda não foi traduzido para o seu idioma, portanto o original é exibido abaixo.
molting
This term describes a biological necessity rather than a random loss of covering. It carries a connotation of renewal and growth, as the shedding of the old is a prerequisite for the animal to increase in size or refresh its protective layer. In a biological context, it is a neutral, technical term used across ornithology, herpetology, and entomology.
When used as an adjective, it describes the state of the animal during this transition, often implying a temporary period of vulnerability or a disheveled appearance. It should not be confused with "shedding" in a general sense, as molting specifically refers to the cyclical replacement of an entire outer layer or set of feathers.
Meanings
Examples
The parrot is molting and leaving feathers all over the living room.
The crab entered a molting phase to allow its shell to grow larger.
I wonder if the dragon is molting its scales before the battle.
The molting process can leave animals vulnerable to predators.
Look at that molting cicada clinging to the tree bark.
The bird looks a bit scruffy because it is currently molting.
A molting snake often hides in a dark place until the skin peels off.