effuse

[ verb ih-fyooz; adjective ih-fyoos ]

verb (used with object)

, ef·fused, ef·fus·ing.

1. to pour out or forth; shed; disseminate:

   The town effuses warmth and hospitality.

verb (used without object)

, ef·fused, ef·fus·ing.

1. to exude; flow out.
2. Physics. (of a gas) to flow through a very small orifice.

adjective

1. scattered; profuse.
2. Botany. spread out loosely.
3. (of certain shells) having the lips separated by a gap or groove.

effuse

verb

1. to pour or flow out
2. to spread out; diffuse
3. intr to talk profusely, esp in an excited manner
4. to cause (a gas) to flow or (of a gas) to flow under pressure

adjective

1. botany (esp of an inflorescence) spreading out loosely

Other Words From

• unef·fused adjective
• unef·fusing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of effuse¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin effūs ( us ) (past participle of effundere ) poured out, equivalent to ef- ef- + fūsus poured ( fuse ² )

Word History and Origins

Origin of effuse¹

C16: from Latin effūsus poured out, from effundere to shed, from fundere to pour

Example Sentences

Andrews and others effuse about the film, which has its moments — including a famous eight-second sequence involving Andrews bearing her breasts — but “S.O.B.” feels overpraised.

From Salon

“My grandfather went on this one time,” Rachel Bloom effused on a recent afternoon.

From New York Times

He effused earnestly about firearms and Adolf Hitler speeches and once seriously schemed to murder columnist Jack Anderson.

From Washington Post

“I love you more than words can ever say, And I will always be there for you,” Bard effused.

From Washington Times

Paul Thomas Anderson, whom Jr. says, "Is the son my dad wishes he had," is seen effusing about Sr. in various clips, and accompanies his hero on a train ride.

From Salon