(ˌ) ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈāshən noun
Etymology: probably from (assumed) Medieval Latin exfoliation-, exfoliatio, from Late Latin exfoliatus (past participle of exfoliare to strip of leaves) + Latin -ion-, -io -ion
: the action or process of unfolding or 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 (as a sequestrum) or of a tooth or part of a tooth
d. : the phase of weathering that involves the breaking loose of thin concentric shells, slabs, spalls, or flakes from rock surfaces