Mephitism
/ˈmɛfɪtɪzəm/noun
Poisoning or illness caused by inhaling noxious or foul-smelling gases.
Did you know?Mephitis was the Roman goddess associated with foul-smelling, poisonous vapors, and her worship was linked to sulfurous places such as the Ampsanctus Valley in Italy.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Latin
Latin
mephitis
“A pestilential or foul-smelling vapor; also the name of a Roman goddess associated with such fumes.”
Classical Latin
Latin
Mephitis
“A divine personification of noxious exhalations, especially those rising from volcanic or sulfurous ground.”
18th Century
English
mephitic
“Foul-smelling or poisonous, especially when describing gases or vapors.”
19th Century
English
mephitism
“The condition or poisoning produced by mephitic, or noxious, gases.”
Modern English
English
mephitism
“Toxic illness resulting from inhaling foul or poisonous vapors.”
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