efflorescence

In a sentence.

1. 01

   The neighborhood saw an efflorescence of tiny galleries.

2. 02

   A pale efflorescence appeared on the brick after the damp winter.

Where it came from.

From Latin efflorescere, ‘to blossom forth,’ built on florere, ‘to flower.’ The same root runs through flora and floral.

Why it’s interesting.

It can name a burst of creative growth or a mineral bloom on brick—a surprisingly literal and figurative pairing.