effluvium

noun

ef·​flu·​vi·​um e-ˈflü-vē-əm How to pronounce effluvium (audio)
variants or less commonly effluvia
plural effluvia also effluviums
1
: an invisible emanation
especially : an offensive exhalation or smell
2
: a by-product especially in the form of waste

Examples of effluvium in a Sentence

the effluvia from local sewage treatment plants polluting the river
Recent Examples on the Web For example, the jolt of postpartum or menopause—and the hormonal swings associated with these conditions—will commonly trigger telogen effluvium in women, according to Nazanin Saedi, MD, an associate professor of dermatology at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. Sarah Madaus, Allure, 16 Oct. 2024 Telogen effluvium is a common cause of temporary hair loss that affects people of all sexes and is often seen in women. Corey Whelan, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2024 Hodgdon builds that certain conditions like alopecia or telogen effluvium (temporary hair loss after an episode of severe stress) can also have an impact. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 20 Sep. 2024 Common diagnoses include androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and lymphocytic scarring alopecia, Agbai tells USA TODAY. Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 26 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for effluvium 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'effluvium.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin effluvium act of flowing out, from effluere

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of effluvium was in 1651

Dictionary Entries Near effluvium

effluve

effluvium

efflux

Cite this Entry

“Effluvium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/effluvium. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

effluvium

noun
ef·​flu·​vi·​um e-ˈflü-vē-əm How to pronounce effluvium (audio)
plural effluvia -vē-ə How to pronounce effluvium (audio) or effluviums
: an invisible emanation
especially : an offensive exhalation or smell
the form effluvia often used with a singular verb

More from Merriam-Webster on effluvium

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