flake out Definition

flake
noun

1. A small flat particle which has broken away or is breaking away from a larger object.

Example: flakes of plaster
Thesaurus: scale, shaving, sliver, chip, layer, peeling, disk, paring.
2. A small piece or particle.

Example: snowflake
Example: cornflake

verb flaked, flaking

intr
1. To come off in flakes.

Example: The paint was flaking off the wall
Thesaurus: peel, chip, scale, exfoliate, blister.
2. To break (eg cooked fish) into flakes.

Etymology: 14c: possibly related to Norse floke flock of wool.

Phrasal Verb: flake out

To collapse or fall asleep from exhaustion.