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View synonyms for effluvium

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


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Derived Forms

  • efˈfluvial, adjective

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Other Words From

  • ef·fluvi·al adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of effluvium1

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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of effluvium1

C17: from Latin: a flowing out; see effluent

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Example Sentences

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

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

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

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

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

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effluentefflux