effuse
UK[ɪˈfjuːz]US[ɪˈfjuːz]
v
To flow or pour out, especially of a liquid, light, or smell.
v
To express feelings or ideas in an unrestrained, enthusiastic manner.
Morpheme Breakdown
ef
fuse
ef
out
fuse
pour
Etymology
The word 'effuse' originates from the Latin verb 'effundere', which is a compound of the prefix 'ex-' (meaning 'out') and the verb 'fundere' (meaning 'to pour'). This literal sense of "pouring out" was directly adopted into Middle English from Latin. Over time, its application broadened metaphorically from describing the physical flow of liquids or light to encompass the unrestrained expression of emotions or ideas. Thus, the core logic of the word has consistently been one of outward emission, whether concrete or abstract.
Analysis
Structure: ef (out) + fuse (pour)
- ef: A Latin prefix, a form of 'ex-' meaning 'out' or 'forth'. It assimilates before 'f'.
- fuse: From Latin 'fusus', the past participle of 'fundere', meaning 'to pour' or 'to melt'.
Examples
The wound began to effuse blood slowly.
The lamp effused a soft, warm glow throughout the room.
She effused gratitude for the unexpected support from her colleagues.