miasma
1 synonym for miasma, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A noxious, unpleasant atmosphere, once believed to rise from swamps and waste and cause disease.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use miasma
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a miasma of
a thick miasma
a miasma hangs over
rise from a miasma
A formal, literary word, more common in writing than in everyday speech.
Etymology
Miasma is first recorded in English in 1665. It comes from the Ancient Greek word miasma, meaning stain or pollution.
Full origin of miasma →Frequently asked questions
What does miasma mean?
It means a foul, unhealthy atmosphere, once thought to rise from swamps and waste and cause disease.
Is miasma still a recognized medical theory?
The word reflects an older belief that disease was caused by bad air from swamps and waste, which the record shows was only once thought to be the case.
Can miasma be used figuratively?
Yes, it is also used to describe an oppressive or ominous atmosphere surrounding a person, place or situation.
