efflorescence
[ ef-luh-res-uh ns ]
/ ˌɛf ləˈrɛs əns /
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.
- the act or process of efflorescing.
- the resulting powdery substance or incrustation.
Pathology. a rash or eruption of the skin.
Nearby words
effigy, effing, effingham, effleurage, effloresce, efflorescence, efflorescent, effluence, effluent, effluvia, effluvium
Origin of efflorescence
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for efflorescence
British Dictionary definitions for efflorescence
efflorescence
/ (ˌɛflɔːˈrɛsəns) /
noun
a bursting forth or flowering
chem geology
- the process of efflorescing
- the powdery substance formed as a result of this process, esp on the surface of rocks
any skin rash or eruption
Derived Formsefflorescent, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for efflorescence
efflorescence
1620s, from French efflorescence, from Latin efflorescentem (nominative efflorescens), present participle of efflorescere (see effloresce).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Science 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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.