ecdysis
noun
ec·dy·sis ˈek-də-səs 
plural ecdyses ˈek-də-ˌsēz
: the act of molting or shedding an outer cuticular layer
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Linear webs hang loosely on the wall, like residue from an autopsy surgeon’s scalpel, while snakelike shapes seem to be in the process of shedding their skin — ecdysis, as internal development outgrows its container. 
Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2022 With our once-unthreatened understanding of selfhood, family, and civic purpose now being scrutinized under the microscope of the mob, our culture is in a moment of ecdysis. Kayla Bartsch, National Review, 12 Aug. 2019 Growing larger causes spiders to molt, a process called ecdysis, Jo-Anne Sewlal, an arachnologist at the University of the West Indies, says via email. Liz Langley, National Geographic, 22 Apr. 2017
Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2022 With our once-unthreatened understanding of selfhood, family, and civic purpose now being scrutinized under the microscope of the mob, our culture is in a moment of ecdysis. Kayla Bartsch, National Review, 12 Aug. 2019 Growing larger causes spiders to molt, a process called ecdysis, Jo-Anne Sewlal, an arachnologist at the University of the West Indies, says via email. Liz Langley, National Geographic, 22 Apr. 2017 Word History
Etymology
borrowed from Greek ékdysis "getting out, escape," from ekdýein "to take off, strip off," ekdýesthai "to strip oneself of, take off, get out of, escape" (from ec- ec- + dýein "to enter, make one's way into, [of clothing] get into, put on") + -sis -sis — more at adytum
First Known Use
circa 1854, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
ecdysis
noun
ec·dy·sis ˈek-də-səs
plural ecdyses -də-ˌsēz
: the act of molting or shedding an outer cuticular layer (as in insects and crustaceans)