Were does the word exfoliate origin from?

The word "exfoliate" comes from the Latin word "exfoliatus," which means "to strip off leaves."

Here's the breakdown:

* "Ex" - meaning "out" or "from"

* "Folium" - meaning "leaf"

* "-atus" - a past participle ending, meaning "having been..."

So, literally, "exfoliatus" means "having been stripped of leaves."

This original meaning is fitting because the word "exfoliate" refers to the process of removing dead skin cells, much like a tree sheds its leaves.