Main Entry: ex·fo·li·ate

Pronunciation: \(ˌ)eks-ˈfō-lē-ˌāt\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): ex·fo·li·at·ed; ex·fo·li·at·ing

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

Date: 1612

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 leavesintransitive 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

— ex·fo·li·a·tion \(ˌ)eks-ˌfō-lē-ˈā-shən\ noun

— ex·fo·li·a·tive \eks-ˈfō-lē-ˌā-tiv\ adjective