miasma

 
Pronunciation: /mɪˈazmə, mʌɪ-/

noun (plural miasmas)

literary
  • an unpleasant or unhealthy smell or vapour: a miasma of stale alcohol hung around him
  • an oppressive or unpleasant atmosphere which surrounds or emanates from something: a miasma of despair rose from the black workshops

Derivatives

miasmal

adjective

miasmatic

Pronunciation: /mɪəzˈmatɪk/
adjective

Origin:

mid 17th century: from Greek, literally 'defilement', from miainein 'pollute'