n :  the action or process of exfoliating: as  a  :  the peeling of the horny layer of the skin (as in some skin diseases)  b  :  the shedding of surface components (as cells from internal body surfaces when diseased)  c  :  the shedding of a superficial layer of bone or of a tooth or part of a tooth ex*fo*li*a*tive adj 
 
 
 
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