Mephitis
/məˈfaɪtɪs/noun
A foul-smelling or poisonous exhalation, especially one arising from the earth; also the scientific genus containing skunks.
Did you know?In ancient Rome, Mephitis was associated with noxious underground vapors and was invoked as a protective deity against their harmful effects.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
mephītis
“A pestilential or foul-smelling exhalation, especially one rising from the ground”
Classical Latin
Latin
Mephītis
“The personified goddess or divine power associated with poisonous vapors”
17th Century
English
mephitis
“A noxious or foul-smelling emanation”
18th Century
Scientific Latin
Mephitis
“A zoological genus established for skunks, whose defensive odor reflects the older meaning”
Modern English
English
mephitis
“A foul vapor or poisonous exhalation; chiefly encountered in scientific and literary usage”
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