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miasmal

Archaic Terms
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

Relating to or resembling a miasma, which is a noxious or unhealthy atmosphere or influence.

Detailed Definition
The word 'miasmal' refers to something that is related to a miasma, often used to describe an atmosphere that is polluted or unhealthy. In the context of the poem, it evokes a sense of decay or spiritual malaise that contrasts with the purity and vitality associated with the Church. This term enhances the poem's exploration of the tension between the corporeal and the spiritual.
Example
Example in poetry:
"Wrapt in the old miasmal mist" (noxious, foul air); "The miasmal swamp of decay" (landscape); "Miasmal vapours of the marsh" (environmental); "The miasmal breath of the city" (urban); "A miasmal gloom of despair" (metaphorical)
Additional Notes
The term 'miasmal' is found in the line, "Wrapt in the old miasmal mist," emphasizing the unhealthy atmosphere surrounding the Church.; Found in the poem, The Hippopotamus by T. S. Eliot
Also Known As
miasmic noxious poisonous vapor fetid mist Miasmatic
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