effluvium

ef·flu·vi·um | \ e-ˈflü-vē-əm

How to pronounce effluvium (audio)

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

How to pronounce effluvia (audio)

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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

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Examples of effluvium in a Sentence

the effluvia from local sewage treatment plants polluting the river

Recent Examples on the Web 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, "She Was Losing Fistfuls of Hair. What Was Causing It?," 3 Feb. 2020 But this work—to hold power to account, to safeguard the truth, to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable, in Finley Peter Dunne’s immortal words—has entered into a fatal bargain with an effluvium that demeans and yet supports it. — Greg Jackson, Harper's magazine, "Vicious Cycles," 6 Jan. 2020 But, in some cases, your body might shed an excessive amount of hair (telogen effluvium). — Korin Miller, SELF, "Jessie James Decker Is Dealing with Postpartum Hair Loss," 10 Aug. 2018 Technically, telogen effluvium is actually a form of hair shedding rather than hair loss, the organization says, meaning that your hair is falling out earlier in its cycle than usual, but it will be replaced by new hair. — Korin Miller, SELF, "Jessie James Decker Is Dealing with Postpartum Hair Loss," 10 Aug. 2018 What’s more likely is that telogen effluvium is at play (again). — Jane Chertoff, SELF, "This Is Why Your Eyebrows Are Thinner Than They Used to Be—and What to Do About It," 13 July 2018 Abrupt hormone changes can cause sudden hair loss (telogen effluvium) that recovers over about 6 months time. — Jane Chertoff, SELF, "This Is Why Your Eyebrows Are Thinner Than They Used to Be—and What to Do About It," 13 July 2018 Thyroid problems: Excessive hair loss, or telogen effluvium, can be a sign that your thyroid gland is overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism). — Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, "WATCH: What Your Hair Is Trying to Tell You About Your Health," 29 Mar. 2018 Gradually replace the asphalt crust with permeable pavers, and construct a network of underground cisterns so that heavy rains no longer drown the sewer system and pump raw effluvium into our waterways. — Justin Davidson, Daily Intelligencer, "What Is a City Street? And What Will It Become?," 18 Jan. 2018

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.

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Cite this Entry

“Effluvium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/effluvium. Accessed 6 Aug. 2020.

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