definitions

effluvium

[ ih-floo-vee-uh m ]
/ ɪˈflu vi əm /
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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.

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RELATED WORDS

exhaust, odor, vapor, smell, exhalation

Nearby words

effloresce, efflorescence, efflorescent, effluence, effluent, effluvium, efflux, effort, effort bargain, effort syndrome, effortful

Origin of effluvium

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

Related forms

ef·flu·vi·al, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

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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

effluvial, adjective

Word Origin for effluvium

C17: from Latin: a flowing out; see effluent
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for effluvium

effluvium

[ ĭ-flōō′vē-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.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.