fetid

fetid Definition

fetid (fet′id; also fēt′-)

adjective

having a bad smell, as of decay; putrid

Etymology: ME < L fetidus, foetidus < L foetere, to stink < IE *dhwoitos < base *dheu-, to blow about > dull

fetid Related Forms

fet′·idly adverb fet′·id·ness noun

fetid Synonyms

modif.

fetid Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

atmosphere: In this fetid atmosphere, we should be thankful for small mercies.
air: Harold can never fulfill his desire to leave home and breathe the less fetid air away from Oil Drum Lane.
pool: Narrative The boat glided across the fetid pool, guided by small dips of the paddles.
water: Victims of violent crime, some dead, some still alive, were routinely tossed into the fetid waters of the Fleet.
breath: They quaked at a hint of our fetid breath on the breeze.
smell: The original meaning of the word funk or funky is ' a rank, fetid smell ' .

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