exfoliate

[ eks-foh-lee-eyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ex·fo·li·at·ed, ex·fo·li·at·ing.

1. to throw off in scales, splinters, etc.
2. to remove the surface of (a bone, the skin, etc.) in scales or laminae.

verb (used without object)

, ex·fo·li·at·ed, ex·fo·li·at·ing.

1. to throw off scales or flakes; peel off in thin fragments:

   The bark of some trees exfoliates.

2. Geology.
   1. to split or swell into a scaly aggregate, as certain minerals when heated.
   2. to separate into rudely concentric layers or sheets, as certain rocks during weathering.
3. Medicine/Medical. to separate and come off in scales, as scaling skin or any structure separating in flakes.

exfoliate

/ ɛksˈfəʊlɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. tr to wash (a part of the body) with a granular cosmetic preparation in order to remove dead cells from the skin's surface
2. (of bark, skin, etc) to peel off in (layers, flakes, or scales)
3. intr (of rocks or minerals) to shed the thin outermost layer because of weathering or heating
4. (of some minerals, esp mica) to split or cause to split into thin flakes

   a factory to exfoliate vermiculite

Derived Forms

• exˈfoliative, adjective
• exˌfoliˈation, noun

Other Words From

• ex·fo·li·a·tive [eks-, foh, -lee-ey-tiv, -, uh, -tiv], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exfoliate¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from Late Latin exfoliātus, past participle of exfoliāre “to strip off leaves”; ex- ¹, foliate

Word History and Origins

Origin of exfoliate¹

C17: from Late Latin exfoliāre to strip off leaves, from Latin folium leaf

Example Sentences

Such exfoliated samples can be quite clean and free from impurities that would otherwise interfere with graphene's desirable properties.

From Science Daily

"Specifically, we have provided high-quality exfoliated flakes tailored to their requests, and we worked together closely to optimize the exfoliation conditions for their materials. This partnership has significantly enhanced their sample fabrication process."

From Science Daily

For several years, the researchers have had titanium gold carbide without knowing how the gold can be exfoliated or panned out, so to speak.

From Science Daily

Writer-director Sofia Coppola exfoliates the lust for celebrity lifestyles that often powers theft, even at its most haphazard and uncoordinated.

From Los Angeles Times

King says that another benefit of ice facials might stem from their exfoliating properties.

From National Geographic