ecdysis

noun

ec·​dy·​sis ˈek-də-səs 

plural ecdyses ˈek-də-ˌsēz 

: the act of molting or shedding an outer cuticular layer

Examples of ecdysis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Linear webs hang loosely on the wall, like residue from an autopsy surgeon’s scalpel, while snakelike shapes seem to be in the process of shedding their skin — ecdysis, as internal development outgrows its container. —Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2022

With our once-unthreatened understanding of selfhood, family, and civic purpose now being scrutinized under the microscope of the mob, our culture is in a moment of ecdysis. —Kayla Bartsch, National Review, 12 Aug. 2019

Growing larger causes spiders to molt, a process called ecdysis, Jo-Anne Sewlal, an arachnologist at the University of the West Indies, says via email. —Liz Langley, National Geographic, 22 Apr. 2017

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Greek ékdysis "getting out, escape," from ekdýein "to take off, strip off," ekdýesthai "to strip oneself of, take off, get out of, escape" (from ec- ec- + dýein "to enter, make one's way into, [of clothing] get into, put on") + -sis -sis — more at adytum

First Known Use

circa 1854, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

ecdysis

noun

ec·​dy·​sis ˈek-də-səs 

plural ecdyses -də-ˌsēz 

: the act of molting or shedding an outer cuticular layer (as in insects and crustaceans)

ecdysial

ek-ˈdiz-ē-əl  -ˈdizh-(ē-)əl 

adjective