Bloom (�), n. [OE. blome, fr. Icel. bl�m, bl�mi; akin to Sw. blom, Goth. bl�ma, OS. bl�mo, D. bloem, OHG. bluomo, bluoma, G. blume; fr. the same root as AS. bl�wan to blow, blossom. See Blow to bloom, and cf. Blossom.] 1. A blossom; the flower of a plant; an expanded bud; flowers, collectively.
The rich blooms of the tropics.
Prescott.
2. The opening of flowers in general; the state of blossoming or of having the flowers open; as, the cherry trees are in bloom. “Sight of vernal bloom.” Milton.
3. A state or time of beauty, freshness, and vigor; an opening to higher perfection, analogous to that of buds into blossoms; as, the bloom of youth.
Every successive mother has transmitted a fainter bloom, a more delicate and briefer beauty.
Hawthorne.
4. The delicate, powdery coating upon certain growing or newly-gathered fruits or leaves, as on grapes, plums, etc. Hence: Anything giving an appearance of attractive freshness; a flush; a glow.
A new, fresh, brilliant world, with all the bloom upon it.
Thackeray.
5. The clouded appearance which varnish sometimes takes upon the surface of a picture.
6. A yellowish deposit or powdery coating which appears on well-tanned leather. Knight.
7. (Min.) A popular term for a bright-hued variety of some minerals; as, the rose-red cobalt bloom.