miasmal
|mi-az-mal|
/maɪˈæzməl/
foul, poisonous atmosphere
Etymology
'miasmal' originates from modern English formation based on 'miasma' + the adjectival suffix '-al', ultimately from Ancient Greek 'miasma' meaning 'stain' or 'pollution'.
'miasmal' was formed in English in the 19th century from the noun 'miasma' (from New Latin/Gk 'miasma'), which itself comes from Greek 'miasma' (a 'stain' or 'pollution') related to the verb 'miainein' 'to defile'.
Initially tied to the miasma theory of disease—'relating to harmful vapors'—it has broadened to describe any oppressive, noxious, or corrupting atmosphere, literal or figurative.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to, caused by, or resembling a miasma — an oppressive, noxious, or putrid atmosphere historically believed to cause disease.
The swamp gave off a miasmal haze that seemed to cling to the town.
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Adjective 2
figuratively, suggesting an oppressive, corrupting, or unhealthy moral or social atmosphere.
The novel captures the miasmal politics of the era, where secrecy bred suspicion.
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Last updated: 2025/11/05 14:45