effluvia
UK: ɪˈfluːviə | US: ɪˈfluːviə
n. (usually plural) foul or unpleasant odors, gases, or vapors emitted from something
n. (figurative) a harmful or corrupting influence
effluvia = ef<out> + flu<flow> + ia<noun suffix (plural)>
- ef<out>: From Latin ex- (out), assimilated to ef- before f.
- flu<flow>: From Latin fluere (to flow), seen in words like fluid and influence.
- ia<noun suffix>: A Latin plural suffix indicating a collective or result (e.g., bacteria).
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin effluvium (a flowing out), effluvia originally described literal outflows like sewage or noxious gases. Over time, it gained figurative use for intangible "outflows" like moral decay. The morphemes reflect a vivid image of something flowing out (ef + flu) with negative connotations.
The effluvia from the factory polluted the nearby river.
She wrinkled her nose at the effluvia rising from the dumpster.
The novel critiques the effluvia of greed in modern society.
Scientists measured the chemical effluvia released during the experiment.
The room was filled with the effluvia of rotting food.