mi·as·ma (m - z m , m -)n. pl. mi·as·mas or mi·as·ma·ta (-m -t) 1. A noxious atmosphere or influence: "The family affection, the family expectations, seemed to permeate the atmosphere . . . like a coiling miasma" (Louis Auchincloss). 2. a. A poisonous atmosphere formerly thought to rise from swamps and putrid matter and cause disease. b. A thick vaporous atmosphere or emanation: wreathed in a miasma of cigarette smoke. [Greek, pollution, stain, from miainein, to pollute.] mi·as mal, mi as·matic (mz-mt k), mi·asmic (-mk) adj. |
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