noun
miasma
mee-AZ-muh
Miasma (noun) means a noxious, unpleasant atmosphere, once believed to rise from swamps and waste and cause disease. Example: “A miasma of rotting vegetation hung over the swamp.”
noun
1
A noxious, unpleasant atmosphere, once believed to rise from swamps and waste and cause disease.
"A miasma of rotting vegetation hung over the swamp."
"Doctors once blamed the fever on a miasma rising from the marsh."
2
figurative A pervasive, oppressive atmosphere or influence surrounding a situation.
"A miasma of suspicion surrounded the company after the scandal."
"There was a miasma of gloom in the office after the layoffs."
How to use miasma
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA foul, unhealthy-feeling atmosphere, whether literal or figurative.
When to use it
A formal, literary word, more common in writing than in everyday speech.
Memory tip
It comes from the Greek for stain or pollution, which helps explain its sense of something foul or tainted.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
a miasma of
a thick miasma
a miasma hangs over
rise from a miasma
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A _____ of rotting vegetation hung over the swamp.
Etymology
Miasma is first recorded in English in 1665. It comes from the Ancient Greek word miasma, meaning stain or pollution.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for miasma
See all rhymes for 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.
What is the meaning of miasma?
"miasma" (noun) means a noxious, unpleasant atmosphere, once believed to rise from swamps and waste and cause disease.
