exfoliate
verb
ex·fo·li·ate
(ˌ)eks-ˈfō-lē-ˌāt 
exfoliated; exfoliating
1
: to cast off in scales, laminae, or splinters
2
: to remove the surface of in scales or laminae
3
: to spread or extend by or as if by opening out leaves
1
: to split into or give off scales, laminae, or body cells
2
: to come off in thin layers or scales
3
: to grow by or as if by producing or unfolding leaves
Examples of exfoliate in a Sentence
a soap that promises to help me exfoliate all that dry, flaky skin I've apparently been carrying around
Recent Examples on the Web
Ingredient highlights include moisturizing vitamin E and lipo-hydroxy acid (LHA), known for its exfoliating properties.
—
Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2024
Before applying the mask at night, gently exfoliate your lips with a lip scrub and then pat them dry.
—Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 30 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for exfoliate 
Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2024
Before applying the mask at night, gently exfoliate your lips with a lip scrub and then pat them dry.
—Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 30 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for exfoliate
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'exfoliate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near exfoliate
Cite this Entry
“Exfoliate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exfoliate. Accessed 5 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
exfoliate
verb
ex·fo·li·ate
-ˈfō-lē-ˌāt
exfoliated; exfoliating
1
: to cast off in scales or laminae
2
: to remove the surface of in scales or laminae
3
: to shed (teeth) by exfoliation
1
: to split into or give off scales, laminae, or body cells
2
: to come off in thin layers or scales : scale off
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