Collins English-English Dictionary

bloom [bluːm]

1. 1. n a blossom on a flowering plant; a flower

2. 2. n chill a dull area formed on the surface of gloss paint, lacquer, or varnish

3. 3. n the state, time, or period when flowers open (esp in the phrases in bloom, in full bloom)

4. 4. n open flowers collectively

   a tree covered with bloom

5. 5. n a healthy, vigorous, or flourishing condition; prime (esp in the phrase the bloom of youth)

6. 6. n youthful or healthy rosiness in the cheeks or face; glow

7. 7. n a fine whitish coating on the surface of fruits, leaves, etc, consisting of minute grains of a waxy substance

8. 8. n any coating similar in appearance, such as that on new coins

9. 9. n [ecology] a visible increase in the algal constituent of plankton, which may be seasonal or due to excessive organic pollution

10. 10. vb [mainly intr] (of flowers) to open; come into flower

11. 11. vb to bear flowers; blossom

12. 12. vb to flourish or grow

13. 13. vb to be in a healthy, glowing, or flourishing condition

14. 14. vt. [tr] [physics] to coat (a lens) with a thin layer of a substance, often magnesium fluoride, to eliminate surface reflection

15. 15. vt. [Etymology] C13: of Germanic origin; compare Old Norse blom flower, Old High German bluomo, Middle Dutch bloeme; see blow³

bloom [bluːm]

1. 1. n a rectangular mass of metal obtained by rolling or forging a cast ingot - See also billet

2. 2. vt. [tr] to convert (an ingot) into a bloom by rolling or forging

3. 3. vt. [Etymology] Old English bloma lump of metal