What does MOULT mean?

Parts of Speech

Noun, verb

Definitions

• Noun: the process of shedding feathers, hair, or skin, or an individual feather, hair, or skin that has been shed
• Verb: to shed feathers, hair, or skin, or to lose an outer layer

Pronunciations

• US: /moʊlt/
• UK: /məʊlt/

Origin and Usage

The word "moult" originated from the Middle English word "mouten" which means "to change". It has been used in English since the 14th century. The term is commonly used in the context of birds, reptiles, and arthropods, as they shed their outer layers periodically. It is also used in the context of hair loss in mammals.

Synonyms

Shedding, sloughing, casting, exuviation

Related Words

Shed, molt, cast, sluff, exude

Example Sentences

• The bird is going through its moult and losing its feathers.
• The snake will moult its skin as it grows larger.
• She is experiencing hair loss due to her moult.
• He noticed the moulted exoskeleton of the insect on the ground.