exuviation

/ɪɡˌzuːviˈeɪʃən/
noun
  1. The process of shedding an outer covering, such as skin, shell, or exoskeleton.
    • The biologist explained the stages of exuviation in crustaceans.
    • Exuviation allows the insect to grow larger.
    • After exuviation, the new shell is soft and vulnerable.