Exfoliation \Ex*fo`li*a"tion\, n. [Cf. F. exfoliation.] The scaling off of a bone, a rock, or a mineral, etc.; the state of being exfoliated.
exfoliation n 1: the peeling off in flakes or scales of bark or dead skin; "exfoliation is increased by sunburn" 2: a thin flake of dead epidermis shed from the surface of the skin [syn: {scale}, {scurf}]