Definition of the word moult

The word "moult" originates from the Middle English word "molten," which meant "to change" or "metamorphose." This root can also be traced back to the Old English word "maeltan" and the Old Norse word "mölta," both of which had similar meanings. In the context of birds, the meaning of "moult" evolved to refer specifically to the shedding and regrowing of feathers. This process, also known as molting or molting, is an essential part of a bird's life cycle as it allows them to replace worn or damaged feathers with fresh ones. The timing and duration of moult vary from species to species, but it typically occurs annually during the non-breeding season. The word "moult" is also commonly used in other fields, such as metallurgy to refer to the process of melting and purifying metal or in skiing to describe the released snow or ice when a skier makes a turn. Although unrelated, these usages share the common theme of change or transformation.