intermolt
|in-ter-molt|
🇺🇸
/ˌɪn.tɚˈmoʊlt/
🇬🇧
/ˌɪn.təˈməʊlt/
between molts
Etymology
'intermolt' originates from the Latin prefix 'inter-' meaning 'between' combined with the English word 'molt' (also spelled 'moult'), which ultimately derives from older Germanic (Old English/Old Norse) words meaning 'to shed' or 'to cast off'.
'molt' appeared in Middle English as variants like 'mouten'/'moulten' and developed into modern English 'molt'/'moult'; the compound 'intermolt' is a Modern English formation using the Latin prefix 'inter-' + the established English root 'molt'.
The root originally referred specifically to shedding feathers or skin; over time its use broadened to shedding various coverings (feathers, hair, exoskeleton). 'Intermolt' has consistently meant 'between molts' and retains that specialized biological meaning.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the period or stage between two successive molts (shedding events) in animals such as crustaceans, insects, or birds.
The crab accumulates reserves during the intermolt to prepare for the energetically costly next molt.
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Adjective 1
occurring or present between molts; relating to the intermolt period.
Many physiological changes occur during the intermolt stage in insects.
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Last updated: 2025/08/26 20:45