# mephitis

> English word · Noun · IPA /məˈfaɪ.tɪs/

## Definitions
1. A poisonous or foul-smelling gas, especially as emitted from the earth; an unpleasant smell.
2. A dilution of fluids derived from skunks or polecats.

## Etymology
From Latin mefītis, mephītis, from the name of a Samnite goddess who personified the poisonous gases emitted from swamps and volcanoes.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/mephitis