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.

---

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

---

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

---

Other Word 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

“View Finding” is not an indiscriminate hodgepodge, but a small demonstration of proliferating photographic techniques, the applications to which they can be put, and the Walther Collection’s engagement with this efflorescence.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 5, 2026

On the salvaged tiles alone, you can find salt efflorescence, water stains, fretting, lichen, smears of soot, scratches and gashes.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2025

Each time I drive past it, I see the growing snow-white patch of efflorescence salts.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 12, 2024

Mr. Laine was part of the efflorescence of British rock music in the early 1960s, when many young musicians were still soaking up the influence of American blues.

From New York Times • Dec. 6, 2023

It was clear to the bottom and bright with the efflorescence of tropical weed and coral.

From "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding