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

• efflorescent adjective

Etymology

Origin of efflorescence

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

Example Sentences

What emerged from this great leap backward was a diverse efflorescence of art that directly addressed the very things the church ignored.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

It coincides with the efflorescence of 1970s feminist art history.

From Los Angeles Times

In Los Angeles, the baby boomer generation that arose after World War II coincided with the military-backed efflorescence of the aerospace industry.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Seattle Times