Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » effloresce

effloresce

(ef′lə res′)

intransitive verb effloresced, efflorescing

to blossom out; flower; bloom
Chem.
1. to change from a crystalline to a powdery state through loss of the water of crystallization when exposed to air
2. to develop a powdery crust as a result of evaporation or chemical change

Origin: L efflorescere, to blossom, flourish < ex-, out + florescere, to begin to blossom < florere, to blossom < flos (gen. floris), a flower: see bloom

See effloresce in American Heritage Dictionary 4

intransitive verb ef·flo·resced, ef·flo·resc·ing, ef·flo·resc·es

To blossom; bloom.
Chemistry
a. To become a powder by losing water of crystallization, as when a hydrated crystal is exposed to air.
b. To become covered with a powdery deposit.

Origin:

Origin: Latin efflōrēscere

Origin: : ex-, ex-

Origin: + flōrēscere

Origin: , inchoative of flōrēre, to blossom (from flōs, flōr-, flower; see bhel-³ in Indo-European roots)

Learn more about effloresce

effloresce synonyms

effloresce medical definition

link/cite print suggestion box