effluent

[ ef-loo-uhnt ]

adjective

1. flowing out or forth.

noun

1. something that flows out or forth; outflow; effluence.
2. a stream flowing out of a lake, reservoir, etc.
3. sewage that has been treated in a septic tank or sewage treatment plant.
4. sewage or other liquid waste that is discharged into a body of water, etc.

effluent

/ ˈɛflʊənt /

noun

1. liquid discharged as waste, as from an industrial plant or sewage works
2. radioactive waste released from a nuclear power station
3. a stream that flows out of another body of water
4. something that flows out or forth

adjective

1. flowing out or forth

effluent

/ ĕf′lo̅o̅-ənt /

Adjective

1. Flowing out or forth.

Noun

1. A stream flowing out of a body of water.
2. An outflow or discharge of liquid waste, as from a sewage system, factory, or nuclear plant.

Other Words From

• super·efflu·ent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of effluent¹

1720–30; < Latin effluent- (stem of effluēns flowing out, present participle of effluere ), equivalent to ef- ef- + flu- flow + -ent- -ent

Word History and Origins

Origin of effluent¹

C18: from Latin effluere to run forth, from fluere to flow

Example Sentences

Currently, treated effluent from the plant is released into the Los Angeles River in the Sepulveda Basin, providing a significant portion of the river’s flow in the area during dry times.

From Los Angeles Times

Again, untreated effluent polluted the rivers and the local marsh rhyne drainage system.

From BBC

Detecting this along with recreational drugs and and industrial chemicals had "pointed us to sewage and other sources of urban effluent", he explained.

From BBC

A post-mortem examination indicated the cause of death was due to exposure to fire and fire effluent.

From BBC

It said effluent is only released to the Scottish Water treatment works at Caol Point, less than two miles down the river from the plant.

From BBC

Related Words

• discharge