exfoliate
1. [ verb ] come off in a very thin piece
Related terms: chip exfoliation
2. [ verb ] remove the surface, in scales or laminae
Related terms: peel_off exfoliation
3. [ verb ] cast off in scales, laminae, or splinters
Related terms: shed exfoliation
4. [ verb ] spread by opening the leaves of
Related terms: unfold
5. [ verb ] grow by producing or unfolding leaves; of plants
Related terms: grow
Similar spelling:   explicate
  exfoliation
  explicable
  explicit
  explication
  explicandum