decortication

noun

de·​cor·​ti·​ca·​tion (ˌ)dē-ˌkȯr-tə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act or process of removing the outer coverings (such as bark or husks) from something (such as fiber or seed)

2

: the surgical removal of the outer layer or covering of an organ or structure (such as the brain or a kidney)

decorticate

(ˌ)dē-ˈkȯr-tə-ˌkāt 

transitive verb

decorticator

(ˌ)dē-ˈkȯr-tə-ˌkā-tər 

noun

Examples of decortication in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition, hemp grain and fiber processing (decortication) infrastructure has been greatly developed in recent years. —Robert Hoban, Forbes, 18 Apr. 2023

Colorado’s agriculture department also wants to buy two decortication machines — which prepare raw hemp to be made into yarn and other products — and set them up for farmers to use. —Sophie Quinton, Anchorage Daily News, 12 July 2021

From there, the fiber, which comprises roughly 25% of the hemp stalk, is isolated and removed in a process called decortication. —Dom Difurio, Dallas News, 4 Sep. 2020

Word History

Etymology

Latin decortication-, decorticatio, from decorticare to remove the bark from, from de- + cortic-, cortex bark — more at cuirass

First Known Use

circa 1623, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

decortication

noun

de·​cor·​ti·​ca·​tion (ˌ)dē-ˌkȯrt-i-ˈkā-shən 

: the surgical removal of the cortex of an organ, an enveloping membrane, or a constrictive fibrinous covering

the decortication of a lung