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florescence

noun
flo·​res·​cence | \ flȯ-ˈre-sᵊn(t)s How to pronounce florescence (audio) , flÉ™-\

Definition of florescence

: a state or period of flourishing
Other Words from florescence Synonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about florescence

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Other Words from florescence

florescent \ flȯ-​ˈre-​sᵊnt How to pronounce florescent (audio) , flÉ™-​ \ adjective

Did You Know?

The flowering of botany as a science in the 18th century produced a garden of English words that came about as adaptations of Latin words. Botanists picked florescence as a showy word to refer to the blooming of a flower-a good choice given that the term grew out of the New Latin florescentia, meaning "blossoming." Florescentia is related to the Latin verb florēre ("to blossom or flourish") and rooted in the Latin noun flos, meaning "flower." Less literal types appreciated the word, too, and applied it to anything that seemed to be thriving or flourishing, as in "the highest florescence of a civilization."

Examples of florescence in a Sentence

the florescence of Mayan art in the seventh century A.D.

Recent Examples on the Web

 To get the color to really pop, add a coat of white polish under the neon for full florescence. — Glamour, "The Best Neon Nail Polishes for 2019," 26 July 2019 Gillreath-Brown analyzed the tips with a scanning electron microscope, X‑ray florescence and energy dispersive ray spectroscopy. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "The United States' Oldest Tattoo Needle Is an Inked-Up Cactus Spine," 28 Feb. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'florescence.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of florescence

1793, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for florescence

New Latin florescentia, from Latin florescent-, florescens, present participle of florescere, inchoative of florēre to blossom, flourish — more at flourish

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More from Merriam-Webster on florescence

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for florescence

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