moulting
/ˈmoʊltɪŋ/
noun
- The act or process of shedding old feathers, hair, skin, or shell.
- Moulting can be a stressful time for birds because they lose insulation.
- The aquarium had a special tank for crabs during moulting.
- Proper nutrition is important during moulting to support new feather growth.
Synonyms
adjective
- Currently shedding feathers, hair, skin, or shell.
- We found a moulting caterpillar on the milkweed plant.
- The moulting snake should not be handled until its new skin hardens.
- The moulting hen stayed in the coop to avoid being pecked by others.