efflorescence

American  

[ef-luh-res-uhns] / ˌɛf ləˈrɛs əns /

noun

1. the state or a period of flowering.

2. an example or result of growth and development.

   These works are the efflorescence of his genius.

3. Chemistry.

   1. the act or process of efflorescing.

   2. the resulting powdery substance or incrustation.

4. Pathology. a rash or eruption of the skin.

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efflorescence British  

/ ˌɛflɔːˈrɛsəns /

noun

1. a bursting forth or flowering

2. chem geology

   1. the process of efflorescing

   2. the powdery substance formed as a result of this process, esp on the surface of rocks

3. any skin rash or eruption

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efflorescence Scientific  

/ ĕf′lə-rĕs′əns /

1. 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.

2. See anthesis

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• efflorescent
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of efflorescence

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

Explanation

If your artistic career is in a period of efflorescence, that means you are producing the most work of your life, and it's very good. When something is in efflorescence, it is in bloom. Inside of efflorescence, you see the Latin root flor, which itself is derived from a word meaning "flower." Use this to remember the "blooming" nature of the word. Try not to confuse this word with effervescent, which means "bubbly and light," like a glass of seltzer or a cheerleader.

Example Sentences

Efflorescence does look strange, and it can appear in a short amount of time.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 26, 2022

Efflorescence is due to certain salts leaching out of the concrete and accumulating into thin layers where the water evaporates on the surface.

From Concrete Construction Methods and Costs by Gillette, Halbert Powers

She had an Efflorescence which very suddenly disappeared: at this Time I was called in; but the Humour had retreated to the Breast, and rendered her Death inevitable.

From Advice to the people in general, with regard to their health by Tissot, S. A. D. (Samuel Auguste David)

Efflorescence of Luxury has come out: for men have wealth; nay new-got wealth; and under the Terror you durst not dance except in rags.

From The French Revolution by Carlyle, Thomas

This great wave of decoration and elaboration that has gone about the world, this Efflorescence, has of course laid hold of that.

From The World Set Free by Wells, H. G. (Herbert George)