miasma
UK: miˈæzmə | US: maɪˈæzmə
n. a highly unpleasant or unhealthy smell or vapor
n. a oppressive or corrupting atmosphere or influence
miasma = mias<stain, pollution> + ma<noun suffix>
- mias<stain, pollution>: From Greek miasma (defilement, stain), derived from miainein (to pollute).
- ma<noun suffix>: A Greek nominal suffix forming abstract nouns.
Etymology Origin:
The word miasma originates from ancient Greek, where it referred to a "stain" or "pollution," particularly in a moral or physical sense. It was associated with noxious vapors believed to cause disease in pre-modern medicine. Over time, it evolved metaphorically to describe any corrupting or oppressive atmosphere. The term reflects the historical belief that foul air (malaria-like "bad air") was responsible for illness.
The swamp emitted a foul miasma that made breathing difficult.
The political scandal left a miasma of distrust over the administration.
In medieval times, people blamed miasmas for the spread of the plague.
The room was filled with a miasma of cigarette smoke and stale beer.
The novel depicts the miasma of despair that hung over the war-torn city.