Mephitical
/mɪˈfɪtɪkəl/noun
Having a foul, poisonous, or noxious smell, especially one produced by underground gases or decomposing matter.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from Latin mephitis, the name for a foul-smelling vapor or a goddess associated with pestilential vapors and harmful emissions.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Latin
Latin
mephitis
“A noxious exhalation, foul vapor, or poisonous gas; also associated with a deity of harmful vapors.”
17th Century
English
mephitic
“Having the quality of foul or poisonous exhalations.”
18th Century
English
mephitical
“Noxious, foul-smelling, or poisonous through its vapors.”
19th Century
English
mephitical
“Used especially in scientific and medical writing for gases or atmospheres injurious to breathe.”
Modern English
English
mephitical
“Extremely foul-smelling or poisonous, especially because of a vapor or gas.”