Effluvium

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ɪˈfluviÉ™m/

Origin

From Latin effluvium ("an outlet"), from effluō ("flow out or away"), from ex ("out of, from") + fluō ("flow").

Full definition of effluvium

Noun

1. A gaseous or vaporous emission, especially a foul-smelling one.
• 1835, w, s:The Partisan, She was now bending over a huge light wood blaze, with a pipe of rude structure and no small dimensions in her mouth, from which the occasional puff went forth, filling the apartment with the unpleasant effluvia of the vilest leaf-tobacco.
• 1906, O. Henry, And he breathed the breath of the house—a dank savour rather than a smell—a cold, musty effluvium as from underground vaults mingled with the reeking exhalations of linoleum and mildewed and rotten woodwork.
2. A condition causing the shedding of hair.
• 2000, Dr. Otto Braun-Falco, et al., Dermatology Chapter Diseases of hair, Reversible hair loss or effluvium occurs following either endogenous or exogenous damage to anagen hair follicles....