miasma Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an unwholesome atmosphere
    miasm.
    • the novel spun a miasma of death and decay
  2. noun unhealthy vapors rising from the ground or other sources
    miasm.
    • the miasma of the marshes
    • a miasma of cigar smoke

WordNet

Mi*as"ma noun
Etymology
NL., fr. Gr. defilement, fr. to pollute.
Wordforms
plural Miasmata
Definitions
  1. Infectious particles or germs floating in the air; air made noxious by the presence of such particles or germs; noxious effluvia; malaria.

Webster 1913