de·cor·ti·ca·tion \(ˈ) ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈkāshən\noun (-s) Etymology: Latin decortication-, decorticatio removal of bark, from decorticatus + -ion-, -io -ion 1.: the act or process of decorticating < the mechanical decortication of the dried black peppercorns — J.W.Parry > 2.: the medical operation of removing the cortex of an organ, an enveloping membrane, or a constrictive fibrinous covering < the decortication of a lung >