Efflux Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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efflux
[ˈɛflʌks ]
Definitions
in science
The process of flowing out. The action of something moving out from a central point.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| efflux |
Efflux is often used interchangeably with efflux in scientific contexts, referring to the flow out of a particular substance or entity.
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| outflow |
Outflow is generally used in financial or geographical contexts. It refers to the movement of money out of an account or the flow of water and other substances from a location.
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| discharge |
Discharge is commonly used in both technical and everyday contexts. It refers to the release or expulsion of a substance and can also mean the release of an obligation or responsibility. It sometimes has medical or military connotations.
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| emission |
Emission is usually used when referring to the release of gases, light, heat, or radiation. It's commonly found in discussions about the environment and technology.
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Examples of usage
- The efflux of water from the reservoir.
- The efflux of gases from the volcano.
medical
The discharge of pus or other fluid from a wound or infected area.
Synonyms
discharge, emission, secretion.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| efflux |
Used primarily in scientific or technical contexts to describe the process of a substance flowing out of something.
|
| discharge |
Commonly used in both everyday language and technical contexts to describe the release of substances, energy, or people from containment. Can also refer to the release of someone from a hospital or military service.
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| secretion |
Refers specifically to the process by which substances are produced and discharged from cells or glands in biological contexts.
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| emission |
Used primarily to refer to the release of gases or radiation, often in environmental or scientific discussions.
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Examples of usage
- The doctor noted the efflux of pus from the patient's wound.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In biology, efflux refers to the movement of substances out of cells, which is essential for maintaining cellular balance.
- The process is crucial in pharmacology, as it influences how drugs are eliminated from the body.
- Efflux pumps are mechanisms in cells that expel toxins and drugs, significantly impacting antibiotic resistance.
Environment
- Efflux is often used to describe the discharge of pollutants into water bodies, which can affect ecosystems.
- Effluent refers to liquids that flow out, especially waste materials from factories or treatment plants.
Cultural Usage
- In literature, efflux might be used metaphorically to describe the passing of time or the outflow of emotions.
- The term can appear in poetry, often symbolizing loss or the transient nature of experiences.
Technology
- In the tech field, efflux can describe data that flows out of a system, such as during network traffic analysis.
- It can also refer to the exit of information from a database or a data storage system.
Origin of 'efflux'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Latin 'effluxus', meaning 'to flow out', derived from 'ex-' (out) and 'fluere' (to flow).
- Efflux has been used in English since the early 17th century, originally in scientific contexts.
The word 'efflux' originated from the Latin word 'effluxus', which means 'a flowing out'. It has been used in English since the late 16th century. The term is commonly used in scientific and medical contexts to describe the process of flowing out or discharge of fluids.