mephitis

Meaning

Noun

• A poisonous or foul-smelling gas, especially as emitted from the earth; an unpleasant smell.
• A dilution of fluids derived from skunk or polecat.

Related

Similar words

• malodour, stench, reek

Origin

• From Latin mefītis, mephītis, from the name of a Samnite goddess who personified the poisonous gases emitted from swamps and volcanoes. The name is from Oscan and ultimately from Ancient Greek.