I. (ˈ)dēˈfōlēˌāt transitive verb
Etymology: Late Latin defoliatus, past participle of defoliare, from Latin de- + folium leaf — more at blade
: to strip of leaves : cause the leaves of to fall especially prematurely
• de·fo·li·a·tion (|)dēˌfōlēˈāshən noun -s
II. (ˈ)dēˈfōlēə̇t, -ēˌāt adjective
or de·fo·li·at·ed -ēˌād.ə̇d
Etymology: Late Latin defoliatus
: deprived of leaves (as by their natural fall)