Miasmic
/maɪˈæz.mɪk/noun
Related to or resembling a noxious vapor or unhealthy atmosphere.
Did you know?In the miasma theory, disease was once believed to spread through foul air, and that idea shaped everything from sanitation to how people imagined invisible evil.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
μίασμα (míasma)
“A defilement, stain, or pollution; later, a noxious exhalation”
Late Greek
Greek
μιασμός (miasmós)
“Pollution or contamination, especially ritual or moral”
18th Century
English
miasma
“A poisonous or unhealthy vapor believed to rise from rotting matter or swamps”
19th Century
English
miasmic
“Relating to or producing an unhealthy, foul vapor or atmosphere”
Modern English
English
miasmic
“Having the character of a miasma; foul, oppressive, or disease-like in atmosphere”
Explore more surprising origins