Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Lactescence \Lac*tes"cence\, n. [Cf. F. lactescence.]
   1. The state or quality of producing milk, or milklike juice;
      resemblance to milk; a milky color.

            This lactescence does commonly ensue when . . . fair
            water is suddenly poured upon the solution. --Boyle.

   2. (Bot.) The latex of certain plants. See {Latex}.