Also 7–9 effluction. [f. prec. + -ION.]
1. The action or process of flowing out; an outflow (of fluids or currents of any kind). Also fig.
1646. Sir T. Browne, Pseud. Ep., II. iv. 80–1. We might perhaps beleeve that from this attraction and by this effluxion bodies tended to the earth.
1651. trans. Bacon’s Life & Death, 53. An abundant and continuall Effluxion of blood … causeth sudden death.
1670. G. H., Hist. Cardinals, II. III. 209. Would he but endeavour to suppress certain passionate effluctions from his youth.
1874. Wiltsh. Times, 3 April, 5/2. Death occurred from a sudden effluxion of the blood to the brain.
b. concr. An abortion. Cf. EFFLUX sb. 2.
1643. R. O., Man’s Mort., vi. 48. The Soule of that Effluction … must needs continue its immortallitie.
1696. in Phillips.
1721–1800. in Bailey.
2. The lapse or passing away (of time); the expiry or completion (of a certain period).
1621. Molle, Camerar. Liv. Libr., V. xii. 362. Till friendship may be consolidated by effluxion of time.
1633. Earl Manch., Al Mondo (1636), 9–10. The glasse then runnes most faintly, when it [the hour] drawes nearest to effluxion.
1807. G. Chalmers, Caledonia, I. Pref. 6. The effluxion of a century.
1868. Times, 12 June, 10/1. The partnership … having expired by effluxion of time.
1626. Bacon, Sylva, § 941. 251. There are … some Light Effluxions from Spirit to Spirit.
c. 1630. Jackson, Creed, V. cxiii. Some deny all effluxions from objects sensible.
1852. Sir W. Hamilton, Discuss., 69. Dr Brown confounds the matterless species of the Peripatetics with the corporeal effluxions of Democritus and Epicurus.
