exuviate
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ɪɡˈzjuːviˌeɪt/
KK: /ɪɡˈzuːviˌeɪt/
intransitive verb
Definition
To shed or lose the outer layer of skin or shell, often seen in animals like insects and crustaceans during their growth process.
Example
The crab will exuviate its old shell to allow for new growth.
Tense Forms
Past: exuviated
Past Participle: exuviated
Conversation
Did you know that some insects exuviate to grow larger?
Yeah, I find that process really fascinating!
It’s amazing how they can shed their old skin like that.
I agree! Nature has so many interesting survival strategies.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
molt
shed
slough
Antonyms
retain
hold
keep
transitive verb
Definition
To shed or remove a covering, such as skin or an outer layer.
Example
The snake will exuviate its skin as it grows.
Tense Forms
Past: exuviated
Past Participle: exuviated
Conversation
Did you know that some animals exuviate their skin periodically?
Really? I had no idea that was a thing!
Yeah, it's especially common in reptiles and insects.
Root Explanation
Exuviate is formed from "ex-" (meaning out of) and "viva" (from Latin "viva", meaning life). The word describes the act of shedding or casting off, particularly in reference to the outer layer of skin or exoskeleton, as if coming out of a previous life stage.
Memory Tip
Think of 'coming out of' ('ex-') a previous 'life' ('viva') — that's why exuviate means to shed or cast off an outer layer.
Visually Confused Words
eluviate
vesuviate
excurvate
sextumvirate
exudate
expiate
evitate
evirate