Main Entry: ef·flo·resce

Pronunciation: \ˌe-flə-ˈres\

Function: intransitive verb

Inflected Form(s): ef·flo·resced; ef·flo·resc·ing

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

Date: 1775

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>