efflorescence

noun

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

1

a

: 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

efflorescent

ˌe-flə-ˈre-sᵊnt 

adjective

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

But the current efflorescence can perhaps most be credited to the zeal of online communities whose social dynamics encourage avid, savvy viewership. — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026

He was badly wounded at Loos and, alongside Wilfred Owen and his close friend Siegfried Sassoon, was a key part of the conflict’s efflorescence of anti-war poetry. — Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 3 Aug. 2026

This efflorescence of transparency has had a huge impact on the behavior of the stock market. — George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

Schomburg’s collection inspired an efflorescence of collecting at historically Black colleges and universities and at branch libraries serving Black communities. — Laura E. Helton, Literary Hub, 20 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for efflorescence

• acquiescence
• adolescence
• coalescence
• convalescence
• effervescence
• evanescence
• incandescence
• inflorescence
• iridescence
• luminescence
• obsolescence
• opalescence

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Medical Definition

efflorescence

noun

ef·​flo·​res·​cence ˌef-lə-ˈres-ᵊn(t)s 

1

: the process of efflorescing

also : the powder or crust so formed

2

: a redness of the skin or an eruption (as in a rash)

efflorescent

-ᵊnt 

adjective