effluvium
noun
ef·flu·vi·um
e-ˈflü-vē-əm 
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
Rapid weight loss can trigger telogen effluvium, a temporary condition where bodily stress pushes hair from the growth phase to the resting phase.
—
Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 13 May 2025
Sophia’s comments align with the condition known as telogen effluvium, which occurs when hair loss is more likely due to the stress of rapid weight loss, according to Drugs.com.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 2 May 2025
Sometimes people experiencing severe emotional stress, poor nutrition, significant weight loss, surgery, childbirth or a high fever caused by illness can develop a condition called telogen effluvium, which causes hair to spend less time in the anagen phase and appear thinner.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
When excessive hair shedding occurs, it's known as telogen effluvium.
—Cathy Nelson, Verywell Health, 4 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for effluvium
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Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 13 May 2025
Sophia’s comments align with the condition known as telogen effluvium, which occurs when hair loss is more likely due to the stress of rapid weight loss, according to Drugs.com.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 2 May 2025
Sometimes people experiencing severe emotional stress, poor nutrition, significant weight loss, surgery, childbirth or a high fever caused by illness can develop a condition called telogen effluvium, which causes hair to spend less time in the anagen phase and appear thinner.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
When excessive hair shedding occurs, it's known as telogen effluvium.
—Cathy Nelson, Verywell Health, 4 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for effluvium
Cite this Entry
“Effluvium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/effluvium. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
effluvium
noun
ef·flu·vi·um
e-ˈflü-vē-əm
plural effluvia
-vē-ə
or effluviums
or effluviums
: an invisible emanation
especially
: an offensive exhalation or smell
—the form effluvia often used with a singular verb
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