Miasma

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /miˈæzmÉ™/, /maɪˈæzmÉ™/
• US enPR: mÄ«-ăz'mÉ™, IPA: /maɪˈæzmÉ™/, /miˈæzmÉ™/
• Rhymes: -æzmÉ™

Origin

First attested in 1665. From Ancient Greek μίασμα (miasma) "stain, pollution".

Full definition of miasma

Noun

1. A noxious atmosphere or influence.
2. A noxious atmosphere or emanation once thought to originate from swamps and waste to cause disease.