mephitis
mephitis · mephitises
A poisonous or foul-smelling gas, especially as emitted from the earthA poisonous or foul-smelling gas, especially as emitted from the earth; an unpleasant smell.
/məˈfaɪ.tɪs/
Meaning
2 senses(countable, uncountable)A poisonous or foul-smelling gas, especially as emitted from the earth; an unpleasant smell.
a poisonous or foul smelling gas emitted from the earth
(countable, uncountable)A dilution of fluids derived from skunks or polecats.
Origin
From Latin mefītis, mephītis, from the name of a Samnite goddess who personified the poisoFrom Latin mefītis, mephītis, from the name of a Samnite goddess who personified the poisonous gases emitted from swamps and volcanoes.
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Forms
plural: mephitises| Singular | mephitis |
|---|---|
| Plural | mephitises |
regular
Synonyms
9 synonymsWord family
1 related wordsRelatedmephitic
Lessons for this word
1 lessons- A1Countable and uncountable nouns — Because it can be uncountable