(of birds, insects, reptiles, etc.) to cast or shed the feathers, skin, or the like, that will be replaced by a new growth.

to cast or shed (feathers, skin, etc.) in the process of renewal.

an act, process, or an instance of molting.

something that is dropped in molting.

verb

cast off , decorticate , doff , exuviate , peel , pull off , slough , take off , throw off , cast , change , discard , exfoliate , moult , shed