efflorescence

[ ef-luh-res-uh ns ]
/ ˌɛf ləˈrɛs əns /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR efflorescence ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the state or a period of flowering.
an example or result of growth and development: These works are the efflorescence of his genius.
Chemistry.
  1. the act or process of efflorescing.
  2. the resulting powdery substance or incrustation.
Pathology. a rash or eruption of the skin.

Origin of efflorescence

1620–30; < French < Medieval Latin efflōrēscentia. See effloresce, -ence

Words nearby efflorescence

effigy, effing, effingham, effleurage, effloresce, efflorescence, efflorescent, effluence, effluent, effluvium, efflux

Words related to efflorescence

rash, flowering, folding, developing, anthesis, redness

Example sentences from the Web for efflorescence

British Dictionary definitions for efflorescence

efflorescence
/ (ˌɛflɔːˈrɛsəns) /

noun

a bursting forth or flowering
chem geology
  1. the process of efflorescing
  2. the powdery substance formed as a result of this process, esp on the surface of rocks
any skin rash or eruption

Derived forms of efflorescence

efflorescent, adjective

Scientific definitions for efflorescence

efflorescence
[ ĕf′lə-rĕs′əns ]

A whitish, powdery deposit on the surface of rocks or soil in dry regions. It is formed as mineral-rich water rises to the surface through capillary action and then evaporates. Efflorescence usually consists of gypsum, salt, or calcite.
See anthesis.