[ ˌɛflə'rɛs ]
■ verb
1》 (of a substance) lose moisture and turn to a fine powder on exposure to air.
2》 (of salts) come to the surface of brickwork or other material and crystallize.
↘(of a surface) become covered with salt particles.
3》 reach an optimum stage of development.
Derivatives
~nce noun
~nt adjective
Origin
C18: from L. ~re , from e- (var. of ex- ) 'out' + florescere 'begin to bloom'.