Miasmatic
/ˌmaɪ.æzˈmæt.ɪk/noun
Relating to or caused by a miasma, especially a noxious or unhealthy atmosphere.
Did you know?The word comes from Greek míasma, meaning a pollution or defilement, and for centuries doctors and mystics alike believed bad air could carry sickness like a spiritual stain.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*mey-
“to stain, defile, or pollute”
Ancient Greek
Greek
μίασμα (míasma)
“a pollution, stain, or defilement”
Late Latin
Latin
miasma
“a noxious exhalation or pollution”
17th Century
English
miasma
“a harmful vapor or poisonous atmosphere believed to cause disease”
19th Century
English
miasmatic
“relating to miasma; producing or resembling noxious air”
Modern English
English
miasmatic
“relating to or caused by a miasma”