mīˈazmə, mēˈ- noun
also mi·asm ˈmīˌazəm
( plural mias·mas mīˈazməz, mēˈ- ; or mias·ma·ta ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷məd.ə ; also miasms )
Etymology: New Latin miasma, from Greek, defilement; akin to Greek miainein to defile — more at mole
1. : a vaporous exhalation (as of a marshy region or of putrescent matter) formerly believed to contain a substance causing disease (as malaria)
the miasmas of Matto Grosso — Jean Stafford
broadly : a heavy vaporous emanation or atmosphere
a miasma of tobacco smoke
seems to be more than a scent that emanates from the hops: it is almost a visible miasma , sweet yet agreeably acrid — Jan Struther
2. : a pervasive influence or atmosphere that tends to deplete or corrupt
abandoned its task in a miasma of words — J.K.Galbraith
from its pages flow that same miasma of dread suspense, that same air of dissolution, decay, and death — Margaret B. Hexter