rankness

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun the property of producing abundantly and sustaining vigorous and luxuriant growth
noun the attribute of having a strong offensive smell

From Middle English rankenesse, equivalent to rank + -ness.

It may happen that we pull up flowers with weeds; but better this than rankness. — Imaginary Conversations and Poems: A Selection, Walter Savage Landor
The very rankness of the smell of manure in the clear sweet air awoke something heady in his brain. — The best short stories of 1919, and the yearbook of the American short story, Unknown
And know, The fault which lies direct from any sin In level opposition, here With that Wastes its green rankness on one common heap. — The divine comedy, Dante Alighieri

richness, prolificacy, fertility

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