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n. pl. mi·as·mas or mi·as·ma·ta (-mə-tə) 1. A noxious atmosphere or influence: "The family affection, the family expectations, seemed to permeate the atmosphere ... like a coiling miasma" (Louis Auchincloss). 2. a. A foul-smelling vapor arising from rotting organic matter, formerly thought to cause disease. b. A thick vaporous atmosphere or emanation: wreathed in a miasma of cigarette smoke. [Greek, pollution, stain, from miainein, to pollute.] mi·asmal, mi′as·matic (mī′əz-mătĭk), mi·asmic (-mĭk) adj. |
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