Word of the Day: Blossom

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