Word Study
ecdysis
CIDE DICTIONARY
ecdysis, n. [NL., fr. Gr. 'e`kdysis a getting out, fr. 'ekdy`ein, to put off; 'ek out + dy`ein to enter.].
The act of shedding, or casting off, an outer cuticular layer, as in the case of serpents, lobsters, etc.; a coming out; as, the ecdysis of the pupa from its shell; exuviation. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
ecdysis, n. the action of casting off skin or shedding an exoskeleton etc.
Etymology
mod.L f. Gk ekdusis f. ekduo put off
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