decortication

de·cor·ti·ca·tion

noun \(ˌ)dē-ˌkȯr-tə-ˈkā-shən\

Definition of DECORTICATION

1

: the act or process of removing the outer coverings (as bark or husks) from something (as fiber or seed)

2

: the surgical removal of the outer layer or covering of an organ or structure (as the brain or a kidney)

— de·cor·ti·cate \(ˌ)dē-ˈkȯr-tə-ˌkāt\ transitive verb

— de·cor·ti·cat·or \-ˌkā-tər\ noun

Origin of DECORTICATION

Latin decortication-, decorticatio, from decorticare to remove the bark from, from de- + cortic-, cortex bark — more at cuirass

First Known Use: circa 1623