mephitis Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a poisonous or foul smelling gas emitted from the earth
  2. noun a distinctive odor that is offensively unpleasant
    foetor; stink; fetor; malodor; malodour; reek; stench.
  3. noun in some classifications: type genus of the subfamily Mephitinae
    genus Mephitis.

WordNet

Me*phi"tis noun
Etymology
L. mephitis : cf. F. méphitis.
Definitions
  1. Noxious, pestilential, or foul exhalations from decomposing substances, filth, or other source.
  2. (Zoöl.) A genus of mammals, including the skunks.

Webster 1913