effluence

noun

ef·​flu·​ence ˈe-ˌflü-ən(t)s How to pronounce effluence (audio)
e-ˈflü-,
ə-
1
: something that flows out
2
: an action or process of flowing out

Examples of effluence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The environment struggles with effluence from ground sources and pollution in general that pours into the Bay. Louise Schiavone, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 All human activity now passes through a computational pipeline—even the sanitation worker transforms effluence into data. TIME, 8 Feb. 2024 In these homes, effluence from toilets and showers flows through drains into a pit in a yard instead of into a sewer line and to a central wastewater treatment plant. Audrey McAvoy, ajc, 6 Apr. 2023 To question the sincerity of the president’s rhetoric—and that of his party—is not to dismiss the challenge posed by the various noisome currents of antidemocratic sentiment and behavior running through our politics like the effluence of overflowing sewers. Gerard Baker, WSJ, 7 Nov. 2022 Water runoff and control, water quality and effluence, education, water reuse and water conservation, also continue to be priorities in the village’s water management plan. Brian L. Cox, chicagotribune.com, 23 Feb. 2021 So many words, words upon words, the effluence of the dialogue being the show’s draw, as well as one of its drawbacks. Hank Stuever, Washington Post, 15 Oct. 2020 Among the problems caused by the island's long-running tourism boom is unregulated development and pipes carrying raw effluence directly into the sea. Euan McKirdy, CNN, 4 Apr. 2018 Angel and his team hit the main control rooms: flat-screen computers monitoring effluence, water quality, chemical inputs, pump efficiency— Paolo Bacigalupi, Wired News, 27 May 2015

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of effluence was in 1603

Dictionary Entries Near effluence

Cite this Entry

“Effluence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/effluence. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on effluence

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!