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 Lactic and glycolic acids bring extra yet gentle exfoliating power to your routine, refining skin texture and stimulating collagen production. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 Oct. 2024 On top of its actual exfoliating effects, Neutrogena’s Healthy Beauty Award–winning Scalp Therapy Anti-Dandruff Itchy Scalp Shampoo just feels good. Sara Coughlin, SELF, 15 Oct. 2024 For this reason, people have started using it for everything from exfoliating their scalp to cleansing away dirt, oil, and product buildup. Sherri Gordon, Health, 14 Oct. 2024 Papain—an enzyme derived from papaya—gives it its exfoliating properties. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for exfoliate 

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 31 Oct. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!