molt (m lt)v. To shed periodically part or all of a coat or an outer covering, such as feathers, cuticle, or skin, which is then replaced by a new growth. n. 1. The act or process of molting. 2. The material cast off during molting. |
molt
the physiological shedding of the integument, usually annual, and at the beginning of the breeding season, including the shedding of the skin by reptiles, of hair by many species, and of feathers by birds; the phenomenon is gradual, has severe metabolic overtones and leaves the bird flightless and off lay for several weeks. It is assumed to be related to hormonal changes related to changes in the length of daylight hours.
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