Effluence is spelled with three syllables: /ɛf/ - /lu/ - /əns/. The first syllable, "ef," is pronounced with a short "e" sound, like the word "bet," followed by a "f" sound. The second syllable, "lu," is pronounced with a "loo" sound, like the word "blue," followed by an "l" sound. The final syllable, "ence," is pronounced with a short "e" sound, like the word "bet," followed by an "ns" sound. This word refers to a discharge of liquid or gas from a source.
Effluence is a noun that refers to the act or process of flowing out or emanating from a source. It is commonly used to describe the release or discharge of substances or fluids from a particular place or system. The term is often associated with liquids, gases, or other waste materials that are released into the environment.
In environmental contexts, effluence specifically refers to the outflow or discharge of pollutants, contaminants, or wastewater into natural bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, or oceans. It reflects the movement of these substances away from their point of origin, carrying potential risks to the surrounding ecosystem or public health. The effluence of industrial wastewater, for example, may contain toxic chemicals or heavy metals that can harm aquatic life or contaminate groundwater sources.
In a broader sense, effluence can also be used metaphorically to describe the outward flow or expression of energy, emotions, ideas, or influence. It emphasizes the dynamic nature of the process, the continuous emission of something from a central point or origin. The effluence of creativity, wisdom, or charisma, for instance, refers to the tangible or intangible qualities that emanate from a person or entity, impacting and influencing others around them.
Overall, effluence conveys the idea of a flow or discharge, whether physical or abstract, often implying the potential consequences or impact of such outflow upon a recipient or environment.
That which flows from any body or substance.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "effluence" originates from the Latin word "effluens", which is the present participle of the verb "effluere". "Effluere" is composed of two parts: "ex", meaning "out", and "fluere", meaning "to flow". Therefore, "effluence" essentially means something that flows out or emanates from a source.