Miasm
/ˈmaɪ.æzəm/noun
A poisonous or noxious vapor once believed to cause disease.
Did you know?Miasma theory held that foul odors from decay, sewage, or rotting matter carried illness, shaping public-health reforms long before germ theory replaced it.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
μιαίνειν (miain ein)
“To stain, pollute, or defile”
Ancient Greek
Greek
μίασμα (míasma)
“A stain, pollution, or moral defilement”
Late Antiquity
Greek
μίασμα
“A corrupting pollution, including an infectious or harmful influence”
16th Century
Latin
miasma
“A noxious vapor or poisonous emanation”
17th Century
English
miasm
“A harmful vapor believed to spread disease”
Modern English
English
miasm
“A poisonous or disease-bearing atmosphere; chiefly a variant or shortened form of miasma”
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