mephitis mephitis /mɪˈfaɪtɪs/

noun

1. A distinctive odor that is offensively unpleasant  ( fetor , foetor [British] , malodor [American] , malodour [Canadian, British] , mephitis , reek , stench , stink )
   a distinctive odor that is offensively unpleasant
   
2. A poisonous or foul smelling gas emitted from the earth  ( mephitis )
   a poisonous or foul smelling gas emitted from the earth
   

 Mephitis

1. In some classifications: type genus of the subfamily Mephitinae  ( genus Mephitis , Mephitis )
   in some classifications: type genus of the subfamily Mephitinae