EXFOLIATE

PRONUNCIATION: (eks-FO-lee-ayt)

MEANING: verb tr., intr.: To remove or shed dead cells, leaves, bark, etc.

ETYMOLOGY: From Latin exfoliare (to strip off leaves), from ex- (out) + folium (leaf). Ultimately from the Indo-European root bhel- (to thrive), which also gave us bloom, flower, flour, foil, folio, and feuilleton. Earliest documented use: 1639.
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EXFILIATE - to disown any and all male offspring

EXFOLLIATE - come to one's senses after a period of silliness

EX-BOLL I ATE - the song of a boastful cotton-plant eater