Ex*fo"li*ate (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Exfoliated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Exfoliating (?).] [L. exfoliare to strip of leaves; ex out, from + folium leaf.] 1. To separate and come off in scales or laminæ, as pieces of carious bone or of bark.

2. (Min.) To split into scales, especially to become converted into scales at the result of heat or decomposition.

Ex*fo"li*ate v. t. To remove scales, laminæ, or splinters from the surface of.

• to remove the leaves - from a plant.
  
• to remove a layer of skin, as in cosmetic preparation