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