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efflorescence - 6 dictionary results

ef⋅flo⋅res⋅cence

[ef-luh-res-uhns]
–noun
1. the state or a period of flowering.
2. an example or result of growth and development: These works are the efflorescence of his genius.
3. Chemistry.
a. the act or process of efflorescing.
b. the resulting powdery substance or incrustation.
4. Pathology. a rash or eruption of the skin.

Origin:
1620–30; < F < ML efflōrēscentia. See effloresce, -ence
ef·flo·res·cence   (ěf'lə-rěs'əns)   
n.  
  1. Botany A state or time of flowering; anthesis.
    1. A gradual process of unfolding or developing.
    2. The highest point; the culmination. See Synonyms at bloom1.
    3. The deposit that results from the process of efflorescing. Also called bloom1.
    4. The process of efflorescing.
    5. A growth of salt crystals on a surface caused by evaporation of salt-laden water.
  2. Chemistry
    1. The deposit that results from the process of efflorescing. Also called bloom1.
    2. The process of efflorescing.
    3. A growth of salt crystals on a surface caused by evaporation of salt-laden water.
  3. Pathology Redness, a rash, or an eruption on the skin.
ef'flo·res'cent adj.

Efflorescence

Ef`flo*res"cence\, n. [F. efflorescence.]

1. (Bot.) Flowering, or state of flowering; the blooming of flowers; blowth.

2. (Med.) A redness of the skin; eruption, as in rash, measles, smallpox, scarlatina, etc.

3. (Chem.) (a) The formation of the whitish powder or crust on the surface of efflorescing bodies, as salts, etc. (b) The powder or crust thus formed.

Main Entry: ef·flo·res·cence
Pronunciation: "ef-l&-'res-&n(t)s
Function: noun
1 : the process ofefflorescing; also : the powder or crust so formed
2 : a redness of the skin or an eruption (as in a rash) —ef·flo·res·cent /-&nt/ adjective
efflorescence   (ěf'lə-rěs'əns)  Pronunciation Key 
  1. A whitish, powdery deposit on the surface of rocks or soil in dry regions. It is formed as mineral-rich water rises to the surface through capillary action and then evaporates. Efflorescence usually consists of gypsum, salt, or calcite.
  2. See anthesis.

efflorescence

spontaneous loss of water by a hydrated salt, which occurs when the aqueous vapor pressure of the hydrate is greater than the partial pressure of the water vapour in the air. For example, because the vapour pressures of washing soda (Na2CO310H2O) and Glauber's salt (Na2SO410H2O) normally exceed that of the water vapour in the atmosphere, these salts effloresce (i.e., lose all or part of their water of hydration), and their surfaces assume a powdery appearance. Hydrated cupric sulfate, or blue vitriol (CuSO45H2O), the aqueous vapour pressure of which is lower, undergoes efflorescence only if the air in contact with it is relatively dry. See also deliquescence.

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