an ancient Greek (= Coine) term that means roughly "blood pollution". The ancient Greeks belived that when blood was shed as a result of violent force, it polluted the Earth and did disrespect to the Gods. Pennace or punishment was usually imposed in cases of miasma, the most famous example being the curse placed upon the Alkemeonid family after their slaughter of the supliants to the altar of Zeus in the fifth century BCE.

Mi*as"ma (?), n.; pl. Miasmata (#). [NL., fr. Gr. defilement, fr. to pollute.]

Infectious particles or germs floating in the air; air made noxious by the presence of such particles or germs; noxious effluvia; malaria.

© Webster 1913.