effloresce

 
Pronunciation: /ˌɛfləˈrɛs/

verb

[no object]
  • 1(of a substance) lose moisture and turn to a fine powder on exposure to air.
  • (of salts) come to the surface of brickwork, rock, or other material and crystallize there.
  • (of a surface) become covered with salt particles.
  • 2reach an optimum stage of development: simple concepts that effloresce into testable conclusions

Derivatives

efflorescence

noun

efflorescent

adjective

Origin:

late 18th century: from Latin efflorescere, from e- (variant of ex-) 'out' + florescere 'begin to bloom' (from florere 'to bloom', from flos, flor- 'flower')