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
It’s made with a sugar and coconut oil blend to smooth and moisturize after gently exfoliating your scalp or body.
—
Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 19 Nov. 2024
The list includes these adorable $13 bath toys that double as exfoliating scrubbers, a large plush doll that looks ready for snuggling, a bookish take on the classic Scrabble board game, and matching pajamas for the entire family.
—Ashleigh Morley, Parents, 1 Nov. 2024
Suited for sensitive skin, Ren’s gel cream steers clear of exfoliating agents, such as alpha hydroxy acids, that could cause irritation.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 31 Oct. 2024
With the highest concentration of exfoliating urea on this list—a whopping 17.7 percent—SkinCeuticals Body Retexturing Treatment can tackle even the bumpiest skin.
—Kelsey Eisen, Allure, 28 Oct. 2024
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Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 19 Nov. 2024
The list includes these adorable $13 bath toys that double as exfoliating scrubbers, a large plush doll that looks ready for snuggling, a bookish take on the classic Scrabble board game, and matching pajamas for the entire family.
—Ashleigh Morley, Parents, 1 Nov. 2024
Suited for sensitive skin, Ren’s gel cream steers clear of exfoliating agents, such as alpha hydroxy acids, that could cause irritation.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 31 Oct. 2024
With the highest concentration of exfoliating urea on this list—a whopping 17.7 percent—SkinCeuticals Body Retexturing Treatment can tackle even the bumpiest skin.
—Kelsey Eisen, Allure, 28 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for exfoliate
Dictionary Entries Near exfoliate
Cite this Entry
“Exfoliate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exfoliate. Accessed 26 Nov. 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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