1. sheds old feathers, hair, skin, or shell to make way for new growth
Usage: third person singular present

1. instances of molting; the process of shedding old feathers, hair, skin, or shell
Usage: plural form

Examples

• The snake molts its skin several times a year.
• Every spring, the bird molts its winter feathers.
• The crab molts its shell as it grows larger.
• During molts, animals are often more vulnerable to predators.
• The dog molts heavily in the summer months.
• Scientists study the molts of insects to understand their development.
• The lizard’s frequent molts indicate healthy growth.