The Greek roots of the word 'miasma'

'Miasma' is a word borrowed from Greek 'miasma'. The word entered the English language some time around 1665.

miasma [noun] [1665]

• a vaporous exhalation formerly believed to cause disease
• a heavy vaporous emanation or atmosphere
• an influence or atmosphere that tends to deplete or corrupt
• an atmosphere that obscures
• fog

See 'miasma' on the Loan Words Map

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Etymology: New Latin, from Greek, defilement, from 'miainein' to pollute

See more loan words from 1600s.