Foetid

/ˈfoʊtɪd/ adjective

Definition

Having a strong, foul, or disgusting smell; very stinky.

Etymology

From Latin 'foetidus' meaning 'stinking,' related to 'foetere' (to stink). This word has been used in English since medieval times to describe extremely bad odors, especially from decomposition or rot.

Kelly Says

The root of this word actually inspired the modern term 'foetor' (bad smell), and in Shakespeare's time, people used it to describe London's notorious stench from sewage—it's a word born from urban pollution!

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