First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1molt
verb \ˈmōlt\
biology : to lose a covering of hair, feathers, etc., and replace it with new growth in the same place
Full Definition of MOLT
intransitive verb
: to shed hair, feathers, shell, horns, or an outer layer periodically
transitive verb
: to cast off (an outer covering) periodically; specifically : to throw off (the old cuticle) —used of arthropods
— molt·er noun
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Origin of MOLT
alteration of Middle English mouten, from Old English -mūtian to change, from Latin mutare — more at mutable
2molt
noun
Definition of MOLT
First Known Use of MOLT
1815
MOLT Defined for Kids
molt
verb \ˈmōlt\
molt·edmolt·ing
Definition of MOLT for Kids
: to shed outer material (as hair, shell, or horns) that will be replaced by a new growth
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