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 bloacutem, bloacutemi 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
Useful english dictionary. 2012.