exfoliation
Americannoun
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the act, state, or process of exfoliating.
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the state of being exfoliated.
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something that is exfoliated or scaled off.
Etymology
Origin of exfoliation
1670–80; New Latin exfoliātiōn- (stem of exfoliātiō ). See exfoliate, -ion
Explanation
Scrub the dead skin off your face and enjoy some exfoliation! It sounds gross but feels really good. Exfoliation is the process of buffing off the outer layer of skin cells or shedding parts of a surface. Exfoliation often refers to something people have done at a spa, but it’s not just for humans. A tree's exfoliation involves its bark being peeled off or leaves falling off. You could also call a snake shedding its entire scaly skin exfoliation (though it's officially known as ecdysis or shedding). When a plant loses its leaves, it's exfoliation — this is appropriate since exfoliation stems from the Latin exfoliare, "to strip of leaves."
Vocabulary lists containing exfoliation
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-tion
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In fact, countless sources praise yogurt for its skin care benefits, citing everything from lactic acid’s gentle exfoliation effects to its probiotic properties.
From Slate • Feb. 22, 2025
Despite this, both α-Al2O3 and γ-LiAlO2 layers demonstrated strong resistance to exfoliation.
From Science Daily • Nov. 25, 2024
After changing, the service began with a foot wash and exfoliation, followed by the treatment on a pre-warmed massage table.
From Salon • Oct. 23, 2024
The $120, 45-minute treatment is designed for people 11 to 15 years old and includes a double cleanse, mild exfoliation and, if necessary, extractions to clear out clogged pores.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 10, 2024
Burns of the first degree are characterized by severe pain, redness of the skin, a certain amount of swelling that soon passes, and later exfoliation of the skin.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 4 "Bulgaria" to "Calgary" by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.