efflorescence

noun

ef·flo·res·cence | \ ˌe-flə-ˈre-sᵊn(t)s

Definition of efflorescence

1a : the action or process of developing and unfolding as if coming into flower : blossoming periods of … intellectual and artistic efflorescence— Julian Huxley

b : an instance of such development

c : fullness of manifestation : culmination

2 : the period or state of flowering

3 : the process or product of efflorescing chemically

Other Words from efflorescence Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about efflorescence

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Did You Know?

When Edgar Allan Poe spoke of an "efflorescence of language" in The Poetic Principle, he was referring to language that was flowery, or overly rich and colorful. This ties in to the garden roots of efflorescence, a word, like "flourish," that comes from the Latin word for "flower." More commonly, however, "efflorescence" refers to the literal or figurative act of blossoming much like a flower does. You could speak of "the efflorescence of nature in springtime," for example, or "the efflorescence of culture during the Renaissance." "Efflorescence" is also used in chemistry to refer to a process that occurs when something changes to a powder from loss of water of crystallization.

Examples of efflorescence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Plenty of scholars regard it as part of the larger religious efflorescence that began in the early nineteenth century in the area of New York State that became known as the Burned-Over District, which gave rise to the Second Great Awakening. — Casey Cep, The New Yorker, 24 May 2021 The tragic example of Tbilisi during the Saakashvili years looms large in any such national efflorescence. — Melik Kaylan, Forbes, 12 Apr. 2021 This includes a season of books mirroring spring’s lively outdoor efflorescence. — David P. Barash, WSJ, 8 Apr. 2021 Start by using a wire brush and hot, soapy water to scrub the brick clean of all dust, dirt, and efflorescence, which are salt deposits that appear as white, crusty streaks. — Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, 18 Dec. 2020 And for reasons that have nothing to do with fascism, even that partial efflorescence may be coming to an end. — Rana Dasgupta, Harper's Magazine, 24 Nov. 2020 Several features account for the field’s rapid efflorescence. — C. Brandon Ogbunu, Wired, 27 Oct. 2020 The trees around it have gone generic green, with no hint of their springtime efflorescence. — Danielle Ofri, The New Yorker, 1 Oct. 2020 There’s a parallel control strategy to spraying rust to suppress its efflorescence. — Maryn Mckenna, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'efflorescence.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.