exfoliate

verb

ex·​fo·​li·​ate (ˌ)eks-ˈfō-lē-ˌāt How to pronounce exfoliate (audio)
exfoliated; exfoliating

transitive verb

1
: to cast off in scales, laminae, or splinters
2
: to remove the surface of in scales or laminae
3
: to spread or extend by or as if by opening out leaves

intransitive verb

1
: to split into or give off scales, laminae, or body cells
2
: to come off in thin layers or scales
3
: to grow by or as if by producing or unfolding leaves
exfoliative adjective

Examples of exfoliate in a Sentence

a soap that promises to help me exfoliate all that dry, flaky skin I've apparently been carrying around
Recent Examples on the Web Black first recommends showering, exfoliating, and shaving. Addie Morton, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2024 It’s recommended that most people only exfoliate once or twice a week, unless instructed to do more (or less) by a dermatologist. Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 16 Feb. 2024 The mix of retinol, urea, lactic and glycolic acid is great for exfoliating, smoothing, and evening out my body's skin tone. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2024 During a facial session, my esthetician used Fig 1 Co. Clarifying Gel Cleanser to gently exfoliate my skin and wash away my worries. Larry Stansbury, Essence, 18 Jan. 2024 Compagnie de Provence Savon Exfoliating Liquid Marseille Soap is a high-end hand soap that gently exfoliates the skin on your hands while providing an almost spa-like, aromatic experience. Tabitha Britt, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Dec. 2023 The debut collection will include an exfoliating face wash, soothing shaving cream, bump-reducing aftershave toner, hydrating face lotion, deep-conditioning beard cream, smoothing pomade, and two-in-one shampoo and conditioner. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2024 According to their site, peppermint invigorates the scalp, while apple cider vinegar deeply cleanses as the sugar scrub gently exfoliates. Essence, 5 Feb. 2024 Most exfoliating scrubs rely on harsh ground-up shell or mild acids to clear off your dead skin, but Tatcha's formula uses a gentle combo of extra-fine rice bran and papaya enzymes. Malia Griggs, Glamour, 20 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'exfoliate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin exfoliatus, past participle of exfoliare to strip of leaves, from Latin ex- + folium leaf — more at blade

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exfoliate was in 1612

Dictionary Entries Near exfoliate

Cite this Entry

“Exfoliate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exfoliate. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

exfoliate

verb
ex·​fo·​li·​ate -ˈfō-lē-ˌāt How to pronounce exfoliate (audio)
exfoliated; exfoliating

transitive verb

1
: to cast off in scales or laminae
2
: to remove the surface of in scales or laminae
3
: to shed (teeth) by exfoliation

intransitive verb

1
: to split into or give off scales, laminae, or body cells
2
: to come off in thin layers or scales : scale off

More from Merriam-Webster on exfoliate

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