effluence
Americannoun
-
the action or process of flowing out; efflux.
-
something that flows out; emanation.
noun
-
the act or process of flowing out
-
something that flows out
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of effluence
1595–1605; < Latin efflu- outflow ( ef- ef- + flu- flow) + -ence
Explanation
Use the word effluence when you talk about the action of something flowing or pouring out. The effluence of air from a popped balloon can sometimes send it flying around the room. When you use the noun effluence, you are describing the quick spurt or flow of a substance. You might mention the effluence of bad breath from your dog or exclaim at the effluence of water from a draining kiddie pool. Both the process of the outflow and the substance itself — the water or air — can be called effluence. The Latin root is effluere, "to flow out," from ex, "out," and fluere, "to flow.
Vocabulary lists containing effluence
By the Roots: Fluere: to flow (flu-)
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Serafina and the Black Cloak
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
