effluvium

[ ih-floo-vee-uhm ]

noun

, plural ef·flu·vi·a [ih-, floo, -vee-, uh], ef·flu·vi·ums.

1. a slight or invisible exhalation or vapor, especially one that is disagreeable or noxious.

effluvium

/ ɛˈfluːvɪəm /

noun

1. an unpleasant smell or exhalation, as of gaseous waste or decaying matter

Derived Forms

• efˈfluvial, adjective

Other Words From

• ef·fluvi·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of effluvium¹

1640–50; < Latin, equivalent to ef- ef- + fluv-, base of fluere to flow ( effluent ) + -ium -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of effluvium¹

C17: from Latin: a flowing out; see effluent

Example Sentences

It is the moral effluvium out of which our modern civilization has constructed itself.

From Project Gutenberg

He shook a musty effluvium from his piebald clothes, overturned my inkstand, and went on with his insufferable nonsense.

From Project Gutenberg

His defensive armour is found in the fetid effluvium which, by a muscular exertion, he is capable of ejecting upon his pursuer.

From Project Gutenberg

The whole atmosphere of the islet, as well as a large circle around it, was impregnated with the fearful effluvium.

From Project Gutenberg

Its effluvium offended only one sense, affected only one set of sensation nerves.

From Project Gutenberg