To slowly discharge or release a substance like liquid or gas, or to display an emotion or quality very noticeably.
From Latin 'exudare', composed of 'ex-' (out) and 'sudare' (to sweat). The meaning evolved from literal sweating or oozing to metaphorical expression of qualities.
When plants 'exude' sticky sap or when someone 'exudes confidence,' the word is doing the same job—showing something seeping out slowly and visibly. Trees use exudation as an immune system, plugging wounds with gooey resin that can trap insects and prevent infection.
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