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miasma

noun/miˈæz.mə/

an oppressive or unpleasant atmosphere that surrounds or influences people

The miasma of fear and uncertainty hung over the community after the devastating news spread.

taintpallcloud
word origin — from Greek 'miasma' meaning 'pollution' or 'stigma'

Word Ultra — Set 281

Set 281 of Word Ultra covers 5 words: miasma, kabuki, aspergillum, chronomancy, pathomimesis. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. miasma · noun/miˈæz.mə/

    an oppressive or unpleasant atmosphere that surrounds or influences people

    The miasma of fear and uncertainty hung over the community after the devastating news spread.

    Synonyms: taint, pall, cloud

    Origin: from Greek 'miasma' meaning 'pollution' or 'stigma'

  2. kabuki · noun/kəˈbuːki/

    a traditional form of Japanese theater known for its elaborate costumes and stylized performances

    The stunning costumes in kabuki performances are a testament to the artistry of traditional Japanese theater.

    Synonyms: theater, performance, drama

    Origin: The word 'kabuki' comes from the Japanese term '歌舞伎' (kabuki), meaning 'sing, dance, skill.'

  3. aspergillum · noun/ˌæspərˈɡɪləm/

    a perforated instrument used in religious ceremonies to sprinkle holy water

    During the baptism, the priest used an aspergillum to sprinkle holy water on the infant.

    Synonyms: sprinkler, dispenser, perfumer

    Origin: from Latin aspergillum, meaning 'a sprinkling device', from 'aspergere' meaning 'to sprinkle'.

  4. chronomancy · noun/krəˈnɑːmənsi/

    the practice of magic involving the manipulation of time

    In the hidden chambers of the ancient library, scholars practiced chronomancy to unlock the secrets of time travel.

    Synonyms: time magic, time manipulation, temporal magic

    Origin: The word 'chronomancy' is derived from the Greek words 'chronos' meaning 'time' and 'manteia' meaning 'divination' or 'prophecy'.

  5. pathomimesis · noun/ˌpæθəˈmaɪnɪsɪs/

    the simulation or imitation of disease symptoms for psychological reasons

    The psychologist explained that her patient's pathomimesis was a coping mechanism developed in response to childhood trauma, resulting in the mimicry of various physical ailments.

    Synonyms: symptom simulation, symptom imitation, illness mimicry

    Origin: From 'patho-' meaning 'suffering' or 'disease' and 'mimesis' meaning 'imitation' from Greek.