exfoliate Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb spread by opening the leaves of
  2. verb cast off in scales, laminae, or splinters
  3. verb remove the surface, in scales or laminae
  4. verb come off in a very thin piece
  5. verb grow by producing or unfolding leaves
    • plants exfoliate

WordNet

Ex*fo"li*ate intransitive verb
Etymology
L. exfoliare to strip of leaves; ex out, from + folium leaf.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Exfoliated ; present participle & verbal noun Exfoliating
Definitions
  1. To separate and come off in scales or laminæ, as pieces of carious bone or of bark.
  2. (Min.) To split into scales, especially to become converted into scales at the result of heat or decomposition.
Ex*fo"li*ate transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To remove scales, laminæ, or splinters from the surface of.

Webster 1913