Word of the Day

[glennagirl.livejournal.com]

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20

Effloresce

[ef-lə-RESS]Part of speech: verb

Origin: latin, late 18th century

• Reach an optimum stage of development; blossom.
• (of a substance) lose moisture and turn to a fine powder on exposure to air.

Examples of Effloresce in a sentence

• The song starts out slowly, but it will effloresce when you reach the chorus. 
• You must keep the package sealed until you’re ready to use it, because it will effloresce when opened. 

About Effloresce

When you break this word down into its Latin roots, one definition becomes quite clear. The prefix “E” means out and “florescere” means begin to bloom. However, effloresce is not usually referring to literal blooming flowers, but it’s a more figurative description of something developing and coming into maturity or peak performance.

Did you Know?

When using the second definition here of effloresce, it has a specific chemical usage. When the substance effloresces upon contact with the air, it will produce salt particles. The word can also be used to describe rocks or brickwork with a salt content that can crystallize on the surface.

Comments

[pfrye.livejournal.com]

Illya Kuryakin was intent on his microscope and did not notice his partner enter his lab. "I knew you would either be in the commissary or down here in the Section Eight dungeons" Napoleon cheerfully exclaimed.

"Did you need me for something or are you just here to annoy me?"

"I was just wondering where you were. We have a meeting with the Old Man at one."

Illya returned his attention to his microscope. "I'm aware of that, Napoleon."

Napoleon ignored by his partner began poking around the small lab. Opening drawers, peaking into cupboards and finally opening a few beakers and bottles.

Napoleon opened one particularly intriguing bottle filled with bright blue liquid. As he did the liquid began to bubble and fizz. Napoleon jumped as Illya grabbed the bottle from his hands and recapped it. "Napoleon, do NOT play with things you know nothing about. That liquid would effloresce and become a very unstable explosive. If you are bored, go visit the secretaries."