moult
noun/məʊlt/
/məʊlt/
(US English molt)
- a loss of feathers or hair, especially as a regular feature of the life cycle of a bird or an animal
- The birds undergo a complete moult after breeding.
Word OriginMiddle English moute, from an Old English verb based on Latin mutare ‘to change’. For the intrusive -l-, compare with words such as fault.Want to learn more?
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moult