Where does “miasma” come from?
Miasma derives from Ancient Greek μίασμα, from the verb μιαίνω meaning to stain or defile, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European smei-.
miasma (English): A noxious atmosphere or influence; A noxious...
Definitions
- A noxious atmosphere or influence; A noxious...
Ancestry of “miasma”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|
| 1 | Ancient Greek | μίασμα | pollution, defilement; shameful action, crime |
| 2 | Ancient Greek | μιαίνω | I paint; I stain, defile, pollute |
| 3 | Proto-Indo-European | smei- | to smear |
Words derived from “miasma”