miasma
mi.as.ma \mi--'az-m*, me--\ \-'az-m*t-*\ \-m*l\ \mi--*z-'mat-ik\ \mi--'az-mik, me--\ n or miasmas or mi.as.ma.ta [NL, fr. Gk, defilement, fr. miainein to pollute] pl 1: a vaporous exhalation formerly believed to cause disease; broadly : a heavy vaporous emanation 2: a noxious influence or atmosphere - mi.as.mal aj