Miasmatist
/ˌmaɪ.əsˈmæt.ɪst/noun
A person who believes that disease is caused by miasma, or poisonous atmospheric pollution.
Did you know?In ancient Greek thought, miasma meant not merely bad air but ritual or moral pollution that could cling to people, places, and entire communities.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
μιαίνω (miainō)
“To pollute, stain, or defile—especially in a ritual or moral sense.”
5th Century BCE
Ancient Greek
μίασμα (miasma)
“Pollution, defilement, or a corrupting stain; later, an infectious emanation.”
Late Antiquity
Greek
μίασμα
“A noxious exhalation or poisonous influence believed capable of causing disease.”
17th Century
English
miasm
“A harmful atmosphere or vapor, especially one thought to spread illness.”
19th Century
English
miasmatist
“A person who supports the miasmatic explanation of disease, before germ theory prevailed.”
Modern English
English
miasmatist
“A historical term for an adherent of miasma theory.”