mephitis

noun

me·​phi·​tis mə-ˈfī-təs How to pronounce mephitis (audio)
: a noxious, pestilential, or foul exhalation from the earth
also : stench

Examples of mephitis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Each of these nocturnal dwellers is distinctly different in appearance and readily identifiable: Advertisement In San Diego County, skunks (Mephitis mephitis) come in two varieties, striped and spotted. Michael Harrelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mephitis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin

First Known Use

1638, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mephitis was in 1638

Dictionary Entries Near mephitis

Cite this Entry

“Mephitis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mephitis. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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