Mephitic
/mɪˈfɪtɪk/noun
Having a foul, poisonous, or noxious smell, especially from gases or vapors.
Did you know?In ancient Italy, Mephitis was associated with noxious volcanic or sulfurous vapors, and the name later became linked with the skunk genus Mephitis.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Italic period
Oscan/Italic
mefit-
“An uncertain ancient Italic term associated with foul or poisonous exhalations”
1st Century BCE–1st Century CE
Latin
Mefitis
“A noxious vapor or exhalation; also the name of a deity associated with such vapors”
Classical Latin
Latin
mephitis
“Pestilential air, foul vapor, or poisonous gas”
17th Century
English
mephitic
“Having the character of poisonous or foul-smelling exhalations”
Modern English
English
mephitic
“Offensive-smelling or harmful through inhalation, especially of gases”
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