[mi.as.ma] n, pl -mas also -ma.ta [NL, fr. Gk, defilement, fr. miainein to pollute] (1665) 1: a vaporous exhalation formerly believed to cause disease; also: a heavy vaporous emanation or atmosphere "a ~ of tobacco smoke"
2: an influence or atmosphere that tends to deplete or corrupt "freed from the ~ of poverty --Sir Arthur Bryant"; also: an atmosphere that obscures: fog "retreated into an asexual mental ~ --Times Lit. Supp." -- mi.as.mal adj -- mi.as.mat.ic adj -- mi.as.mic adj -- mi.as.mi.cal.ly adv