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effluent

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈɛf.lu.ənt/

KK: /ˈɛf.lu.ənt/

adjective
Definition

Describing something that is flowing out or being discharged, often used in the context of liquids or waste.


Example

The effluent water from the factory was treated before being released into the river.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you seen the effluent from the new factory in town?
Sloth B
Yeah, it's really concerning how it affects the river.
Sloth A
I know! They need to do something about that effluent to protect the environment.
Sloth B
Absolutely, we should raise awareness about it.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
outflowing
emergent
discharging
Antonyms
inflowing
incoming
absorbing
noun
Definition

A liquid waste that is released, often from factories or sewage systems.


Example

The factory was fined for releasing untreated effluent into the river.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard about the effluent from that factory nearby?
Sloth B
Yeah, I read that it can really harm the local river.
Sloth A
It's crazy how much waste can flow out like that as effluent.
Sloth B
Root Explanation

Effluent → It is formed from "ex-" (meaning out) and "fluere" (meaning to flow). The word describes something that flows out, particularly referring to liquid waste or sewage that is discharged from a source.

Memory Tip

Think of something that 'flows out' — 'ex-' means out, and 'fluere' means to flow. This helps you remember that effluent refers to liquid waste that flows out.

Visually Confused Words
coeffluent
refluent
defluent
affluent
fluent
perfluent
effulgent
diffluent
Is this page helpful?
I know! We should definitely be more aware of where our water comes from.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
discharge
outflow
waste
Antonyms
inflow
intake
input