Definition of: effuse

(i·fys′) adjective
1. Bot. Spreading loosely, as the panicle of the common rush, or spreading flat, as the plant body of some thallophytic epiphytes.
2. Bacteriol. Profuse, as a thin spreading film of bacteria in a culture.
3. Entomol. Composed of loosely joined parts; not compact, as an insect's body.
4. Zool. Having the lips separated by a groove, as a shell; expanded.
5. Obs. Poured out freely; profuse.
—v. (i·fyz′) ·fused, ·fus·ing v.t.
1. To pour forth; shed.
—v.i.
2. To emanate; exude.
3. Physics To flow through a porous diaphragm or aperture under pressure: said of gases. [<L effusus, pp. of effundere <ex- out + fundere pour]