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exuviation

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌɛksjuːˈveɪʃən/

KK: /ɛkˈsjuːviˌeɪʃən/

noun
Definition

The process of shedding old skin or outer layers, often seen in animals like snakes and insects.


Example

After the snake completed its exuviation, it revealed a shiny new layer of skin underneath.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you know that some insects go through a process called exuviation?
Sloth B
Really? I didn't know that; how does it work?
Sloth A
It's when they shed their old skin to grow, like when snakes do.
Sloth B
That sounds fascinating! I love learning about nature.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
molting
shedding
sloughing
Antonyms
retention
preservation
holding
Root Explanation

Exuviation is formed from "ex-" (meaning out of) and "uvius" (from Latin "exuere", meaning to take off or strip). The word describes the process of shedding or casting off, particularly in relation to skin or outer layers.

Memory Tip

Think of 'taking off' ('ex-') something like skin or an outer layer, which helps you remember that exuviation means shedding.

Visually Confused Words
eluviation
excurvation
exudation
expuition
expiation
evitation
eviration
deviation
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