\Blos"som\ (bl[o^]s"s[u^]m), n. [OE. blosme, blostme,
AS. bl[=o]sma, bl[=o]stma, blossom; akin to D. bloesem, L.
fios, and E. flower; from the root of E. blow to blossom. See
{Blow} to blossom, and cf. {Bloom} a blossom.]
1. The flower of a plant, or the essential organs of
   reproduction, with their appendages; florescence; bloom;
   the flowers of a plant, collectively; as, the blossoms and
   fruit of a tree; an apple tree in blossom.
Note: The term has been applied by some botanists, and is
      also applied in common usage, to the corolla. It is
      more commonly used than flower or bloom, when we have
      reference to the fruit which is to succeed. Thus we use
      flowers when we speak of plants cultivated for
      ornament, and bloom in a more general sense, as of
      flowers in general, or in reference to the beauty of
      flowers.
            Blossoms flaunting in the eye of day.
                                               --Longfellow.
2. A blooming period or stage of development; something
   lovely that gives rich promise.
         In the blossom of my youth.           --Massinger.
3. The color of a horse that has white hairs intermixed with
   sorrel and bay hairs; -- otherwise called peach color.
{In blossom}, having the blossoms open; in bloom.

\Blos"som\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Blossomed}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Blossoming}.] [AS. bl?stmian. See {Blossom}, n.]
1. To put forth blossoms or flowers; to bloom; to blow; to
   flower.
         The moving whisper of huge trees that branched And
         blossomed.                            --Tennyson.
2. To flourish and prosper.
         Israel shall blossom and bud, and full the face of
         the world with fruit.                 --Isa. xxvii.
                                               6.