desquamate

 
Pronunciation: /ˈdɛskwəmeɪt/

verb

[no object] (usually as adjective desquamated)
  • (of a layer of cells, e.g. of the skin) come off in scales or flakes: desquamated cells

Derivatives

desquamation

noun

desquamative

Pronunciation: /-ˈskwamətɪv/
adjective

Origin:

early 18th century (in the sense 'remove the scales from'): from Latin desquamat- 'scaled', from the verb desquamare, from de- 'away from' + squama 'a scale'