Exuviae

/ɪɡˈzuːviːiː/ noun

Definition

Plural of exuvia; the shed skins, shells, or cast-off coverings of animals collectively.

Etymology

Latin plural form of 'exuvia,' maintaining the Latin case ending '-ae.' Used in scientific contexts to refer to the multiple shed coverings collected from organisms.

Kelly Says

Scientists still use the Latin plural 'exuviae' when discussing collections of shed skins—fossils of these castoffs help paleontologists understand ancient arthropods better than bones ever could.

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