effloresce

verb

ef·​flo·​resce ˌe-flə-ˈres How to pronounce effloresce (audio)
effloresced; efflorescing

intransitive verb

1
: to burst forth : bloom
2
a
: to change to a powder from loss of water of crystallization
b
: to form or become covered with a powdery crust
bricks may effloresce owing to the deposition of soluble salts

Examples of effloresce in a Sentence

created an artificial environment in which plants grew and effloresced regardless of season
Recent Examples on the Web University of Washington By mid-March, the 29 Yoshino cherry trees planted on the University of Washington’s Liberal Arts Quadrangle will be efflorescing into pale-pink puffs, like giant botanical versions of cotton candy. Leilani Marie Labong, Travel + Leisure, 18 Mar. 2023 Her later conversations with Molly effloresce into speaking aloud her own anxieties. Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2021 Within days of an eruption, white bacterial mats effloresce like dustings of snow, blizzardings dancing in the currents. Sabrina Imbler, The Atlantic, 16 Feb. 2021 Republican nominee Marc Molinaro would no doubt want to mention the corruption that has effloresced on Mr. Cuomo’s watch, the lousy upstate economy, and the decline of New York City’s subways. The Editorial Board, WSJ, 21 Oct. 2018 Cherry blossoms effloresced on collars and scarves. Isaac Oliver, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'effloresce.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin efflorescere, from ex- + florescere to begin to blossom — more at florescence

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of effloresce was in 1775

Dictionary Entries Near effloresce

Cite this Entry

“Effloresce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/effloresce. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

effloresce

intransitive verb
ef·​flo·​resce ˌef-lə-ˈres How to pronounce effloresce (audio)
effloresced; efflorescing
: to change to a powder from loss of water of crystallization
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