antimephitic
|an-ti-me-phit-ic|
/ˌæn.ti.məˈfɪt.ɪk/
against noxious vapours
Etymology
'antimephitic' originates from Greek and Latin elements: the Greek prefix 'anti-' meaning 'against' combined with Latin 'mephitis' meaning 'noisome exhalation' or 'foul vapour'.
'mephitis' (Latin) gave the adjective 'mephitic' in English (meaning 'foul-smelling, noxious'), and in modern English the prefix 'anti-' was attached to form 'antimephitic' (literally 'against mephitis').
Initially the components simply denoted opposition to 'mephitic' vapours; the modern sense remains close to this original idea—'counteracting or preventing noxious exhalations'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
designed to prevent, neutralize, or counteract mephitic (noxious, foul-smelling or poisonous) vapours or exhalations; protective against harmful fumes.
They fitted the laboratory with antimephitic filters to keep noxious fumes out of the work area.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/03 20:11