molt

[/moʊlt/]
verb/nounpl: molts (noun)
mudar de pena; trocar de pele; muda
1. (verb) To shed feathers, hair, or skin periodically as part of a natural process
The bird molts its feathers every spring.
O pássaro muda suas penas a cada primavera.
2. (noun) The process or period during which an animal sheds feathers, hair, or skin
During molt season, the dog leaves hair everywhere.
Durante a época de muda, o cachorro deixa pelos em todos os lugares.
3. (noun) The shed feathers, hair, or skin itself
We found molt scattered around the bird's nest.
Encontramos penas soltas espalhadas ao redor do ninho do pássaro.
The word 'molt' is primarily used in American English, while 'moult' is the British spelling. In Brazil, 'muda' is the standard term used in veterinary and biological contexts. The concept is particularly relevant during seasonal changes and is commonly discussed among pet owners and bird enthusiasts.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
shedcastsloughecdysisexuviae
Antonyms / Antônimos
growdevelop

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
muda
Most common term for the molting process in animals
General Brazilian
trocar de pena
Literal translation specifically for birds
General Brazilian
descamar
Used specifically for reptiles shedding skin
Portugal
mudar de penas
Portuguese standard term for bird molting

Related Words

featherplumagesheddingecdysisexoskeletonmetamorphosishibernationmigration

Related Idioms & Phrases

in molt - em período de muda
molt season - época de muda
heavy molt - queda excessiva de penas/pelos
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →