miasma etymology

Etymology:

• Ancient Greek: "μίασμα" (miasma), meaning "pollution," "defilement," or "contamination"

Meaning:

• A noxious or foul-smelling vapor or exhalation, especially one that is believed to cause disease.
• A foul or unpleasant odor or smell.
• A polluting or contaminating agent, especially one that is harmful or dangerous to health.

Origin:

The belief in miasma as a cause of disease dates back to ancient times. In the 5th century BCE, the Greek physician Hippocrates proposed that diseases were caused by imbalances in bodily fluids and that miasmas from swamps and other sources could contaminate the air and lead to illness.

The miasma theory remained the dominant medical theory for centuries, although it was often challenged by competing theories. In the 19th century, the development of germ theory led to the gradual decline of the miasma theory, as scientists realized that diseases were caused by microorganisms rather than miasmas.

However, the term "miasma" is still used today to refer to unpleasant odors or smells, or to polluting or contaminating agents.

miasma relate terms

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• blurb

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