Halituous

/həˈlɪtʃ.u.əs/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or characterized by breath, exhalation, or vapor; having the nature of or resembling breath or steam.

Etymology

From Latin 'halitus' (breath, exhalation) plus the English suffix '-uous' (full of, characterized by). This rare adjective appears primarily in older scientific and poetic texts.

Kelly Says

Medieval and Renaissance doctors used this word to discuss the 'halituous' nature of disease—they thought illnesses traveled through bad air and breath, which is actually why we still call it 'mal-aria' (bad air)!

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