effluent
EF-loo-uhnt
/ˈɛfluənt/
Liquid waste or sewage discharged into a river or the sea.
Refers specifically to the liquid outflow from a treatment plant, sewer, or industrial facility.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'effluere', meaning 'to flow out' (from 'ex-' 'out' + 'fluere' 'to flow'). In the 18th century, it referred generally to any outflow, such as light radiating from a star. By the late 19th century, with the rise of industrial sanitation, it became the standard term for liquid waste discharged into a body of water.
Word relationships
- outflow: Outflow is a general term for any liquid flowing out, while effluent is specifically contaminated or treated waste liquid.
- discharge: Discharge can refer to gases, solids, or liquids, whereas effluent is strictly liquid waste.
- influent: Influent is the untreated water or wastewater flowing into a treatment plant, whereas effluent is the water flowing out.
Commonly confused with
- affluent: Affluent (with an 'A') means wealthy; effluent (with an 'E') means liquid waste.
Word family
- effluence (noun): The action of flowing out.
Collocations
- industrial effluent
- treated effluent
- effluent discharge
- effluent standards
Example sentences
- "The chemical plant was penalized for discharging untreated effluent directly into the river." Environmental protection report
- "Before the effluent is released into the bay, it must undergo rigorous filtration and UV disinfection." Water treatment facility manual
Memory hook
EF- (out) + FLUent (flowing like a fluid) -> flowing out. Liquid flowing out.
When not to use
Do not use to describe solid waste or general air pollution; it is strictly liquid.
Fun facts
- In some advanced water reclamation facilities, the treated effluent is so clean that it is purer than bottled spring water.
Related words
Explore more words
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