exuviae

[ ig-zoo-vee-ee, ik-soo- ]

/ ɪgˈzu viˌi, ɪkˈsu- /

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plural noun

the cast skins, shells, or other coverings of animals.

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Origin of exuviae

1645–55; <Latin, derivative of exuere to remove, strip off, divest oneself of, equivalent to ex-ex-¹ + -uere to put on

OTHER WORDS FROM exuviae

ex·u·vi·al, adjective

Words nearby exuviae

exultation, exurb, exurban, exurbanite, exurbia, exuviae, exuviate, ex voto, ex-works, -ey, Eyak

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use exuviae in a sentence

The whole surface is covered with the small, round, green exuviae of these destructive invaders.
The Western World|W.H.G. Kingston
In this case the title was held by feathered Mercury in graceful flight, displaying the motto "Orbis Australis dulces exuviae."
Terre Napoleon|Ernest Scott
There is also some wool, vegetable down, and insect webbing, in which are entangled the exuviae of some caterpillar.
Life Histories of North American Wood Warblers Part One and Part Two|Arthur Bent
Our thoughts should soar upward with the butterfly,—not linger with the exuviae that confined him.
Chippings With A Chisel (From "Twice Told Tales")|Nathaniel Hawthorne

Broken sea shells and other exuviae of marine animals are apparent throughout the whole mass.
An Account of the English Colony in New South Wales, Vol. 2|David Collins

British Dictionary definitions for exuviae

exuviae

/ (ɪɡˈzjuːvɪˌiː) /

pl n

layers of skin or cuticle shed by animals during ecdysis

Derived forms of exuviae

exuvial, adjective

Word Origin for exuviae

C17: from Latin: something stripped off (the body), from exuere to strip off

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012