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

  1. A noxious atmosphere or influence; A noxious...

Ancestry of “miasma”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Ancient Greekμίασμαpollution, defilement; shameful action, crime
2Ancient GreekμιαίνωI paint; I stain, defile, pollute
3Proto-Indo-Europeansmei-to smear

Words derived from “miasma”

Every word from Proto-Indo-European smei- →Every word from Ancient Greek μιαίνω →Every word from Ancient Greek μίασμα →