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

Sudden hair loss of the type you describe is known as telogen effluvium.

From Seattle Times

Many Wallingford houses were built to avoid the hellish view of tower effluvia.

From Seattle Times

So, here we are, again, faced with that essential Trump question: Is he delusional, believing the effluvia that runs from his brain to his mouth without braking?

From Washington Post

In other cases, telogen effluvium may be a sign of an ongoing health issue, like a thyroid problem or autoimmune disorder, Green said.

From Seattle Times

Today's equivalent might be a sewer worker - but rather than scrabbling through effluvia for scrap metal they go underground for maintenance, such as the grim job of clearing fatbergs.

From BBC