Definitions for exfoliateɛksˈfoʊ liˌeɪt
Random House Webster's College Dictionary
ex•fo•li•ateɛksˈfoʊ liˌeɪt(v.)-at•ed, -at•ing.
(v.t.)to throw off in scales, splinters, etc.
to remove the surface of (a bone, the skin, etc.) in scales or laminae.
Category: Surgery
(v.i.)to peel off in thin fragments.
to split or swell into a scaly aggregate, as certain minerals when heated. to separate into rudely concentric layers or sheets.
Category: Geology
Origin of exfoliate:
1605–15; < LL exfoliātus, ptp. of exfoliāre to strip of leaves
ex•fo′li•a`tive
Princeton's WordNet
exfoliate(verb)
spread by opening the leaves of
exfoliate(verb)
cast off in scales, laminae, or splinters
exfoliate(verb)
remove the surface, in scales or laminae
exfoliate(verb)
come off in a very thin piece
exfoliate(verb)
grow by producing or unfolding leaves
"plants exfoliate"
Wiktionary
exfoliate(Verb)
To remove the leaves from a plant.
exfoliate(Verb)
To remove a layer of skin, as in cosmetic preparation.
Webster Dictionary
Exfoliate(verb)
to separate and come off in scales or laminae, as pieces of carious bone or of bark
Exfoliate(verb)
to split into scales, especially to become converted into scales at the result of heat or decomposition
Exfoliate(verb)
to remove scales, laminae, or splinters from the surface of
Citation
Use the citation below to add this definition to your bibliography:
"exfoliate." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2013. Web. 23 May 2013. <http://www.definitions.net/definition/exfoliate>.