blossom
blos-som / blŏs-əm
noun 1. a flower or group of flowers especially on a tree or bush Blossom by blossom the spring begins. Algernon Charles Swinburne, 1837 - 1909 2. the time of or state when buds open to become flowers An apple tree in full blossom is like a message, sent fresh from heaven to earth, of purity and beauty. Henry Ward Beecher, 1813 - 1887 3. the time or period when something flourishes or is at the peak of development Beauty is such a fleeting blossom, how can wisdom rely upon its momentary delight? Seneca the Younger, 4 BC – 65 verb 1. to bloom or open from a bud to become a flower Every flower is a soul blossoming in Nature. Gerard de Nerval, 1808 - 1855 2. to flourish; to thrive Abilities wither under criticism; they blossom under encouragement. Dale Carnegie, 1888 - 1955