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Definition of exfoliate

exfoliate

/ɛksˈfoʊlieɪt/
ex · fo · li · ate
Adjective:exfoliative
•
Past Simple:exfoliated
•
Past Participle:exfoliated
•
Present Participle:exfoliating
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exfoliate Lexical Profile

exfoliate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To wash or rub the skin with a granular or chemical substance in order to remove dead cells from the surface.

Example

"Dermatologists recommend that you gently exfoliate your face once or twice a week to keep your skin smooth."

2

To come off or separate in thin layers, scales, or flakes (especially of rock, bark, or tissue).

Example

"Over centuries of extreme temperature changes, the outer layers of the granite dome began to exfoliate."

3

To cast off or shed leaves (of a plant or tree).

Example

"During severe droughts, certain desert shrubs will exfoliate to conserve scarce water."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for exfoliate

• Rhymes for exfoliate

• Nearby Words

exertion
exfiltrate
exfoliant
exfoliate
exfoliation
exfoliator
exhalation

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 17th century from Late Latin exfoliatus, the past participle of exfoliare ('to strip of leaves'), formed from ex- ('off') and folium ('leaf').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Exfoliate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/exfoliate
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