exuviae
Americanplural noun
plural noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of exuviae
First recorded in 1645–55; from Latin, derivative of exuere “to remove, strip off, divest oneself of,” from ex- ex- 1 + -uere “to put on”
Vocabulary lists containing exuviae
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
On a recent pondside walk, Brand came upon various dragonfly exuviae — the outer casings of young dragonflies.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 11, 2022
The final step in the metamorphosis, if all goes well: The case splits open, and the winged creature molts, ready to take its first flight in pursuit of prey, leaving the exuviae behind.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 11, 2022
When insects molt, their exuviae contain chitin, a hard polymer that also makes up the shells of crustaceans like shrimp.
From New York Times ● Mar. 2, 2022
After experimenting with different ratios of frass and exuviae from different insects, Ms. Barragán-Fonseca finalized a powdered mixture.
From New York Times ● Mar. 2, 2022
Our thoughts should soar upward with the butterfly,—not linger with the exuviae that confined him.
From Chippings with a Chisel (From "Twice Told Tales") by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
