ETYM New Lat., from Greek ekdysis a getting out, from ekdyein, to put off; ek out + dyein to enter.
Molting of outer skin, etc.
The act of shedding, or casting off, an outer cuticular layer, as in the case of serpents, lobsters, etc.; a coming out; exuviation.
Periodic shedding of the exoskeleton by insects and other arthropods to allow growth. Prior to shedding, a new soft and expandable layer is first laid down underneath the existing one. The old layer then splits, the animal moves free of it, and the new layer expands and hardens.