miasma
[ mahy-az-muh, mee- ]
/ maɪˈæz mə, mi- /
noun, plural mi·as·mas, mi·as·ma·ta [mahy-az-muh-tuh, mee-] /maɪˈæz mə tə, mi-/.
noxious exhalations from putrescent organic matter; poisonous effluvia or germs polluting the atmosphere.
a dangerous, foreboding, or deathlike influence or atmosphere.
Origin of miasma
1655–65; < New Latin < Greek míasma stain, pollution, akin to miaínein to pollute, stain
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for miasma
British Dictionary definitions for miasma
miasma
/ (mɪˈæzmə) /
noun plural -mata (-mətə) or -mas
an unwholesome or oppressive atmosphere
pollution in the atmosphere, esp noxious vapours from decomposing organic matter
Derived Forms
miasmal, miasmatic (ˌmiːəzˈmætɪk), miasmatical or miasmic, adjectiveWord Origin for miasma
C17: New Latin, from Greek: defilement, from miainein to defile
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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