n.
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English blome, from Old Norse bl ō m; akin to Old English bl ō wan to blossom ― more at BLOW
Date: 13th century
1 a : FLOWER b : the flowering state <the roses in bloom > c : a period of flowering <the spring bloom > d : a rapid and excessive growth of a plankton population (as of algae or dinoflagellates) ― compare RED TIDE
2 a : a state or time of beauty, freshness, and vigor b : a state or time of high development or achievement <a career in full bloom >
3 : a surface coating or appearance: as a : a delicate powdery coating on some fruits and leaves b : a rosy appearance of the cheeks broadly : an outward evidence of freshness or healthy vigor c : a cloudiness on a film of varnish or lacquer d : a grayish discoloration on chocolate e : glare caused by an object reflecting too much light into a television camera