Dictionary Definition
exfoliate
Verb
1 spread by opening the leaves of
2 cast off in scales, laminae, or splinters
3 remove the surface, in scales or laminae
4 come off in a very thin piece
5 grow by producing or unfolding leaves; "plants
exfoliate"
User Contributed Dictionary
English
Etymology
From Latin exfoliare to remove leaves.Pronunciation
Derived terms
Translations
to remove a layer of skin, as in cosmetic
preparation
- Chinese:
- Mandarin: (qùjiǎozhí)
Extensive Definition
Exfoliation has several meanings:
thumb|200px|Geological exfoliation of granite at [[Enchanted Rock
State Natural Area, Texas, USA]]
- Exfoliation (botany) describes the loss of leaves (or, in some cases, pieces of bark) from a plant.
- Exfoliation (cosmetology), is a cosmetic technique aimed at removing dead skin cells from the face and body.
- Exfoliation (geology) is a weathering process.
- Exfoliation (material science) is the process responsible for breaking up particle aggregates.