BLOOM

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. øtake the bloom off make stale. water-bloom scum formed by algae on the surface of standing water. [ME f. ON bl×m, bl×mi etc. f. Gmc: cf. BLOSSOM]