effluvium

noun

ef·​flu·​vi·​um e-ˈflü-vē-əm 

variants or less commonly effluvia

e-ˈflü-vē-ə 

plural effluvia also effluviums

1

: an invisible emanation

especially : an offensive exhalation or smell

2

: a by-product especially in the form of waste

Synonyms

• chaff
• deadwood
• debris
• dreck
• drek
• dross
• dust
• garbage
• junk
• litter
• offal
• offscouring
• raffle
• refuse
• riffraff
• rubbish
• scrap
• spilth
• trash
• truck
• waste

Examples of effluvium in a Sentence

the effluvia from local sewage treatment plants polluting the river

Recent Examples on the Web

When excessive hair shedding occurs, it's known as telogen effluvium. —Cathy Nelson, Verywell Health, 4 Dec. 2024

Frequently Asked Questions How long does telogen effluvium last? —Mark Gurarie, Health, 27 Oct. 2024

There's no surefire way to prevent telogen effluvium. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 27 Oct. 2024

Episodes of significant physical or emotional stress may be followed by a period of hair shedding two to three months later, a phenomenon known as telogen effluvium. —William Truswell, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin effluvium act of flowing out, from effluere

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

effluvium

noun

ef·​flu·​vi·​um e-ˈflü-vē-əm 

plural effluvia -vē-ə  or effluviums

: an invisible emanation

especially : an offensive exhalation or smell

—the form effluvia often used with a singular verb