exfoliation

exfoliation definition - medical

ex·fo·li·a·tion (ĕks-fōˌlē-āˈshən)

noun
  1. Detachment and shedding of superficial cells of an epithelium or a tissue surface.
  2. Scaling or desquamation of the horny layer of epidermis.
  3. Loss of deciduous teeth following physiological loss of root structure.
  4. Extrusion of permanent teeth as a result of disease or loss of opposing teeth.

Related Forms:

  • ex·foˈli·ateˌ verb

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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