January 23 2016

Quote of the Day

They say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but it is not one half so bad as a lot of ignorance. - Equal Rites

Terry Pratchett

Word of the Day

miasma

Pronunciation: /mɪˈazmə/  /mʌɪˈazmə/

noun (plural miasmas)

Definition of miasma

1 - An unpleasant or unhealthy smell or vapour:

A miasma of stale alcohol hung around him

2 -  An oppressive or unpleasant atmosphere which surrounds or emanates from something:

A miasma of despair rose from the black workshops

Derivatives

miasmal

Pronunciation: /mɪˈazm(ə)l/  /mʌɪˈazm(ə)l/

adjective

miasmatic

Pronunciation: /mɪəzˈmatɪk/

adjective

Origin

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

Words that rhyme with miasma

plasma

Oxford Dictionary