noun (n)

• periodic shedding of the cuticle in arthropods or the outer skin in reptiles(noun.process)

  Synonym:
  molt, molting, moult, moulting
  

  source: wordnet30
• The act of shedding, or casting off, an outer cuticular layer, as in the case of serpents, lobsters, etc.; a coming out; as, the ecdysis of the pupa from its shell; exuviation.(noun)

  source: webster1913