1. n. & v.
--n.
1. a a flower, esp. one cultivated for its beauty. b the state of flowering (in bloom).
2 a state of perfection or loveliness; the prime (in full bloom).
3 a (of the complexion) a flush; a glow. b a delicate powdery surface deposit on plums, grapes, leaves, etc., indicating freshness. c a cloudiness on a shiny surface.
--v.
1. intr. bear flowers; be in flower.
2 intr. a come into, or remain in, full beauty. b flourish; be in a healthy, vigorous state.
3 tr. Photog. coat (a lens) so as to reduce reflection from its surface.
Phrases and idioms:
take the bloom off make stale. water-bloom scum formed by algae on the surface of standing water.
Etymology: ME f. ON bl{oacute}m, bl{oacute}mi etc. f. Gmc: cf. BLOSSOM 2. n. & v.
--n. a mass of puddled iron hammered or squeezed into a thick bar.
--v.tr. make into bloom.
Etymology: OE bloma