v. ex·fo·li·at·ed, ex·fo·li·at·ing, ex·fo·li·ates v.tr. 1. To remove (a layer of bark or skin, for example) in flakes or scales; peel. 2. To cast off in scales, flakes, or splinters. v.intr. To come off or separate into flakes, scales, or layers. [Latin exfoliāre, exfoliāt-, to strip of leaves : ex-, ex- + folium, leaf; see bhel-3 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] ex·fo′li·ation n. ex·foli·a′tive adj. ex·foli·a′tor n. |
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