The word "deflorescence" is spelled with a "de" prefix meaning "removal" or "down from," and the root word "florescence" meaning "flowering" or "blooming." It is pronounced as /dɛfləˈrɛsn(t)s/, with emphasis on the second syllable. The phonetic transcriptions show that the "s" in "deflorescence" can be pronounced as /s/ or /z/, depending on the speaker's preference. This word is commonly used in botanical contexts to describe the shedding of flowers or petals from a plant or tree.
Deflorescence refers to the phenomenon of salt deposits forming on the surface of materials such as bricks, concrete, or stone due to the presence of soluble salts within these materials or in their surroundings. These salts, most commonly sulfates or chlorides, reside within the materials and are brought to the surface through capillary action when water evaporates from the material. As the water evaporates, the salts crystallize and accumulate on the surface, resulting in a white powdery or crusty substance.
The process of deflorescence occurs when the salts dissolve in the water within the material and then migrate to the surface. It is typically caused by the introduction of water into concrete or masonry during construction, such as rain or humidity, or by the presence of groundwater or moisture in the surrounding environment.
Deflorescence can not only affect the aesthetic appearance of materials but also have detrimental effects on their structural integrity. The accumulation of salts on the surface can lead to weakening, cracking, or spalling, ultimately causing damage to the material. It is often more visible in darker-colored materials and is commonly observed in building facades, walls, or surfaces exposed to weathering conditions.
To prevent or address deflorescence, various measures can be taken, such as selecting materials with low salt content, improving drainage systems to prevent water infiltration, using sealants or coatings to repel water, or implementing proper curing and drying techniques during construction. Regular maintenance and cleaning of affected surfaces are also essential to remove the accumulated salts and prevent further damage.
Disappearance of the eruption in scarlet fever or other of the exanthemata.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "deflorescence" is derived from the Latin word "deflorescere", which is a combination of the prefix "de-" meaning "off" or "down", and the verb "florescere", meaning "to bloom" or "to flower". "Deflorescence" describes the process of flowering or blooming, particularly in reference to plants. However, it is worth noting that the word "deflorescence" also has other meanings in different fields such as geology, chemistry, or dermatology.