ScienceAugust 17, 2026

molt

MOHLT

Definition

The process by which an animal, such as a crayfish, sheds its old shell or exoskeleton to allow for growth.

Etymology

Derived from the Middle English 'molten,' which stems from the Old French 'moultre' and the Latin 'mutare,' meaning to change.

In the news

In the article, the authors note that the crayfish will molt periodically, which causes their attached research tags to fall off, serving as an indicator of the animal's survival.

Scientists put tiny backpacks on crayfish

Read the full article ↗

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