Effluence

/ˈɛf.lu.əns/ noun

Definition

The act of flowing out; something that flows out, such as a stream or discharge of liquid or energy.

Etymology

From Latin 'effluens' (ex- 'out' + fluere 'to flow'), meaning that which flows outward. The '-ence' suffix creates a noun describing the state or quality.

Kelly Says

Medieval philosophers used 'effluence' to describe how divine light 'flows out' from God through the universe—it's a theological concept that shaped how people understood causation and power.

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