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Effluent comes from the Latin verb effluere, "to flow out". In an older meaning, an effluent was a stream flowing out of a river or lake. But nowadays effluent almost always means wastes that pour into our water and air. Liquid factory waste, smoke, and raw sewage can all be called effluents. An effluent filter keeps treated waste flowing out of a septic tank from clogging up its drainage pipes.
Origin and Etymology of effluent
Latin effluent-, effluens, present participle of effluere to flow out, from ex- + fluere to flow — more at fluid
First Known Use: 1726
effluent
Definition of effluent
: something that flows out: such asa : an outflowing branch of a main stream or lakeb : waste material (such as smoke, liquid industrial refuse, or sewage) discharged into the environment especially when serving as a pollutant
Examples of effluent in a Sentence
The factory has been accused of discharging effluent into the river.
1859
First Known Use of effluent
1859
EFFLUENT Defined for English Language Learners
effluent
Definition of effluent for English Language Learners
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: liquid (such as sewage or industrial chemicals) that is released as waste
Learn More about effluent
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Spanish Central: Translation of effluent Nglish: Translation of effluent for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of effluent for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about effluent
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