effluvium noun. [ɪ'flu:vɪǝm] Pl. -ia [-ɪǝ], -iums. M17.
[Latin, from effluere, from EF- + fluere to flow: see -IUM.]
1. A flowing out. M17-E18.

2. Chiefly Hist. An outflow or stream of imperceptible particles, esp. as supposedly transmitting electrical or magnetic influence etc. M17.
■ R. Boyle The Effluvia of the Load-stone.
■ W. Cowper Attracted by the effluvia of my genius.

3. An (esp. unpleasant) exhalation affecting the lungs or the sense of smell. M17.
■ Addison The miraculous Powers which the Effluviums of cheese have.
■ C. Darwin The whole air tainted with the effluvium.

► Pl. effluvia sometimes treated as sing..

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