1. Plural of mephitis; noxious or foul-smelling vapors or gases, especially those arising from the earth or decomposing matter.
Usage: archaic or technical; often used in historical or scientific contexts
2. Plural of mephitis; members of the genus Mephitis, a group of skunks native to the Americas.
Usage: zoological; technical

Examples

• The miners feared the mephitides that accumulated in the deepest shafts.
• Medieval physicians believed mephitides from swamps caused disease.
• The naturalist documented several mephitides species during his expedition.
• Volcanic mephitides rose from the crater, poisoning the surrounding air.
• Early naturalists classified mephitides among the carnivorous mammals of North America.