effluvium

[ ih-floo-vee-uh m ]
/ ɪˈflu vi əm /

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

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

Origin of effluvium

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

OTHER WORDS FROM effluvium

ef·flu·vi·al, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for effluvium

British Dictionary definitions for effluvium

effluvium
/ (ɛˈfluːvɪəm) /

noun plural -via (-vɪə) or -viums

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

Derived forms of effluvium

effluvial, adjective

Word Origin for effluvium

C17: from Latin: a flowing out; see effluent

Medical definitions for effluvium

effluvium
[ ĭ-flōōvē-əm ]

n. pl. ef•flu•vi•ums

A shedding, especially of hair.
An exhalation, especially one of bad odor or injurious influence. No longer in technical use.