mephitis

American  

[muh-fahy-tis] / məˈfaɪ tɪs /

noun

1. (in nontechnical use) a noxious or pestilential exhalation from the earth, as poison gas.

2. any noisome or poisonous stench.

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Etymology

Origin of mephitis

1700–10; < Latin mephītis, mefītis; compare Oscan Mefit ( eí ) the goddess of such exhalations

Example Sentences

I know that a skunk's Latin name is Mephitis mephitis, and that skunks should not be confused with polecats.

From SAT Tests

Instantly a cone of black mephitis shot forth, a loathsome, bituminous stream of putrefaction that reeked of the grave and the cesspool, of the utmost reaches of decay before the dust accepts the disintegrated atoms.

From Astounding Stories of Super-Science February 1930 by Bates, Harry

Mephitis mephitis estor Merriam Striped Skunk D. Watson advises me that striped skunks are fairly common around the entrance to the Park, along the foot of the Mesa, and along the Mancos River.

From Mammals of Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado by Anderson, Sydney

Come along with me, and get the mephitis blown out of you.

From The Whirlpool by Gissing, George

Potash   potash Effervescing or aërated fixed vegetable alkali, mephitis of potash.

From Elements of Chemistry, In a New Systematic Order, Containing all the Modern Discoveries by Lavoisier, Antoine

Related Words

• smell
• stink