online medical dictionary | definition of effuse

Effusion; loss. "Much effuse of blood."

To pour out like a stream or freely; to cause to exude; to shed. "With gushing blood effused." (Milton)

Origin: Effused; Effusing.

1. Poured out freely; profuse. "So should our joy be very effuse." (Barrow)

2. Disposed to pour out freely; prodigal.

3. <botany> Spreading loosely, especially on one side; as, an effuse inflorescence.

4. <zoology> Having the lips, or edges, of the aperture abruptly spreading; said of certain shells.

Origin: L. Effusus, p. P. Of effundere to pour out; ex + fundere to pour. See Fuse to melt.

(01 Mar 1998)