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Sloughing: meaning, definitions and examples

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sloughing

 

[ˈslʌfɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical term

The process of shedding dead skin cells from the body, typically as a result of sunburn or a skin condition.

Synonyms

exfoliation, peeling, shedding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sloughing

Used primarily in medical or biological contexts, referring to the process where dead tissue is naturally removed from a living organism.

  • The surgical wound is sloughing off dead tissue as it heals
shedding

Often used in reference to animals losing fur, hair, or skin as part of a natural process, but can also refer to leaves falling from trees.

  • The dog is shedding its winter coat
peeling

Can be used in both medical and everyday contexts to describe the removal of a thin layer, such as skin peeling after a sunburn or the peel of fruit.

  • My skin is peeling after spending too much time in the sun
exfoliation

Common in skincare and beauty contexts, describing the removal of dead skin cells from the surface of the skin to improve texture and appearance.

  • Regular exfoliation can help maintain a healthy and glowing complexion

Examples of usage

  • The sloughing of dead skin cells is a natural part of the body's renewal process.
  • She experienced sloughing of skin after getting a severe sunburn.
  • The doctor explained that the sloughing of skin is important for maintaining healthy skin.
  • The sloughing process can be accelerated with the use of certain skincare products.
  • After the treatment, you may notice some sloughing of skin as the damaged cells are shed.
  • The sloughing of dead skin cells can help to reveal younger, healthier skin underneath.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the Old English word 'sloh', meaning 'to shed' or 'to lose'.
  • It has roots in the Proto-Germanic 'slōgwin', revealing its long history in the English language.
  • In different contexts, such as in health or skin care, this term may refer to the process of discarding dead skin cells.

Biology

  • Many reptiles, like snakes, slough off their skin to grow, a process that provides them with a new protective layer.
  • Some plants also engage in a similar process called 'abscission', where leaves are shed from the plant.
  • In human health, the skin naturally sloughs off cells as a part of the regeneration process, which is vital for maintaining healthy skin.

Cultural References

  • The idea of sloughing is often used metaphorically in literature to suggest moving on from past experiences.
  • In some mindfulness practices, sloughing can symbolize letting go of negative thoughts or memories, promoting personal growth.
  • Art pieces may depict sloughing as a form of transformation, illustrating the shedding of layers as an evolution of identity.

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters often undergo a metaphorical sloughing-off of old selves as they journey toward self-discovery.
  • Authors use the imagery of sloughing to represent seasons of change, such as the transition from winter, where everything is shed, to the blooming renewal of spring.
  • The theme of shedding the old to embrace the new recurs in various poetic forms, symbolizing rebirth.

Health and Skin Care

  • In dermatology, sloughing is a key process in treatments for skin conditions, allowing fresh skin to emerge.
  • Exfoliation is a method where layers of dead skin are intentionally sloughed off to achieve smoother skin.
  • Products like scrubs and peels are designed to promote sloughing, enhancing skin renewal for a more vibrant appearance.

Translations

Translations of the word "sloughing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 esfoliação

🇮🇳 छाल उतरना

🇩🇪 Abschuppung

🇮🇩 pengelupasan

🇺🇦 лущення

🇵🇱 złuszczanie się

🇯🇵 剥離 (はくり)

🇫🇷 desquamation

🇪🇸 descamación

🇹🇷 dökülme

🇰🇷 박리

🇸🇦 تقشير

🇨🇿 olupování

🇸🇰 olupovanie

🇨🇳 蜕皮 (tuìpí)

🇸🇮 luščenje

🇮🇸 flögnun

🇰🇿 қабыршақтану

🇬🇪 კანის აქერცვლა

🇦🇿 qabıq soyulması

🇲🇽 descamación

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,509, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.