exfoliate - Definition & Meaning

liate

Third Person

exfoliates

Present Participle

exfoliating

Past Tense

exfoliated

Past Participle

exfoliated

to shed materials in small pieces, layers, or scales

The tree bark exfoliates as it grows, revealing a smoother layer underneath.
Certain paint finishes may exfoliate, leading to the need for repainting.
After sunburn, the skin may exfoliate as it heals, peeling away to reveal new skin beneath.
Over time, the bark of the tree exfoliated, shedding its outer layers to accommodate growth.
The old wallpaper in the house began to exfoliate, curling at the edges and peeling away from the wall.

to remove dead or dry skin cells from the surface of the skin, usually by using a scrub or exfoliating product

transitive

After a long day outdoors, she likes to exfoliate her skin to remove any dirt and dead cells.
He exfoliates his face twice a week to keep his skin smooth and free from breakouts.
The spa offers a variety of treatments to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin.
Using a gentle exfoliating scrub, she carefully exfoliates her lips to keep them soft and smooth.
He exfoliates his feet weekly to remove calluses and rough patches.

to unfold or expand in a manner similar to the opening of leaves

The flower petals exfoliated in the warm sunlight, revealing their vibrant colors.
As the fern grows, its fronds exfoliate gracefully, forming a lush canopy in the forest.
The layers of the onion exfoliated as she peeled them away, releasing their pungent aroma.
As the butterfly emerged from its chrysalis, its wings exfoliated into delicate patterns of color.
The fabric exfoliated as it was stretched over the frame, creating a smooth surface for painting.

to remove thin layers of material from a surface

transitive

Over time, weathering can exfoliate the outer layers of rock, revealing the underlying structure.
High winds can exfoliate the paint on wooden surfaces, exposing the bare wood underneath.
Harsh chemicals in some cleaning products can exfoliate the surface of countertops, causing damage over time.
The intense heat exfoliated the outer layer of the metal sculpture, revealing its intricate details.
The abrasive scrub exfoliated the surface of the ceramic tiles, removing stubborn stains and grime.

to facilitate the unfolding or spreading out of something, resembling the process of leaves unfurling

transitive

The gardener exfoliated the plant's leaves by gently massaging them, encouraging them to open fully.
The art teacher showed the students how to exfoliate the paper by dampening it before painting.
Using a special technique, the yoga instructor helped the students exfoliate their mats, ensuring they lay flat.
The designer exfoliated the fabric by stretching it on a frame.
The scientist exfoliated the layers of graphene using a precise chemical process.

(of rocks or minerals) to peel or flake off thin layers as a result of exposure to weathering or heating processes

The granite boulders exfoliated over time, revealing smooth surfaces where layers had peeled away.
The sandstone cliffs exfoliated in the desert heat, leaving behind sheer faces with exposed layers.
Over millions of years, the layers of shale exfoliated, forming distinct horizontal bands in the landscape.
The volcanic rocks exfoliated as they cooled after the eruption, creating a jagged, textured surface.
The quartzite outcrops exfoliated along the mountain ridge, leaving behind sharp edges and crevices.