Peeling

/ˈpiːlɪŋ/ verb, adjective

Definition

Removing the outer layer or skin of something; or describing something whose surface is flaking off.

Etymology

From Middle English 'pelen,' possibly from Old French 'peler' (to strip). The word originally meant to remove hair or feathers from animals.

Kelly Says

Peeling is so psychologically satisfying that there's an entire genre of 'oddly satisfying' videos online showing people peeling fruit, paint, stickers, and sunburned skin—there's something in human brains that finds the separation of layers deeply rewarding.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.