mephitis
    n 1: a poisonous or foul smelling gas emitted from the earth
    2: a distinctive odor that is offensively unpleasant [syn:
       malodor, malodour, stench, stink, reek, fetor,
       foetor, mephitis]
    3: in some classifications: type genus of the subfamily
       Mephitinae [syn: Mephitis, genus Mephitis]

Mephitis \Me*phi"tis\, n. [L. mephitis : cf. F. m['e]phitis.]
   1. Noxious, pestilential, or foul exhalations from
      decomposing substances, filth, or other source.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Zool.) A genus of mammals, including the skunks.
      [1913 Webster]