effluvium

noun

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ef·flu·vi·um | \ e-ˈflü-vē-əm

variants: or less commonly effluvia \ e-ˈflü-vē-ə

plural effluvia also effluviums

Definition of effluvium

1 : an invisible emanation especially : an offensive exhalation or smell

2 : a by-product especially in the form of waste

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More About effluvium

Examples of effluvium in a Sentence

the effluvia from local sewage treatment plants polluting the river

Recent Examples on the Web Chronic telogen effluvium, where the shedding continues for months, is possible. — Melanie Rud, SELF, 26 May 2022 Telogen effluvium is hair loss caused by high stress, surgeries or other internal issues like thyroid problems or vitamin D deficiency. — Garrett Munce, Men's Health, 22 Apr. 2022 Then there’s Telogen effluvium, or TE, a condition where a physical or emotional stress leads to a rapid shedding of the hair, especially along the temples and sides of the scalp. — Kristin Auble, Vogue, 22 Sep. 2021 Over the eight decades of Hanford’s existence, radioactive waste has seeped into the groundwater and radioactive effluvium has been released into the air that has blown for miles. — oregonlive, 6 Oct. 2021 Anagen effluvium is a nonscarring alopecia that affects the follicle in the growth stage when hair suffers a toxic shock (such as chemotherapy), fracturing the shaft in its active growth stage. — Kristin Auble, Vogue, 22 Sep. 2021 Telogen effluvium can be triggered by major stress, vitamin deficiencies, and the inevitable decrease in estrogen that occurs after delivery, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) explains. — Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 20 May 2021 Telogen effluvium is technically hair shedding rather than full-on hair loss, SELF explained previously. — Sarah Jacoby, SELF, 11 Aug. 2020 The delayed result, a form of diffuse hair loss called telogen effluvium, was causing her hair to fall out in frightening clumps. — New York Times, 3 Feb. 2020 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'effluvium.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.