hygiene

hy-giene · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Conditions or practices conducive to maintaining health and preventing disease, especially through cleanliness.

  2. 2.

    The branch of knowledge concerned with the maintenance of health.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    personal hygiene — the practice of keeping one's body clean
  • •
    dental hygiene — care of the teeth and gums
  • •
    mental hygiene — practices supporting psychological well-being
  • •
    food hygiene — practices ensuring food safety

Related words

Antonyms: filth, uncleanliness
See also: cleanliness, health, sanitation
Synonyms: cleanliness, sanitary_practices, sanitation

Etymology

From French hygiène, from Greek hygieinē (tekhnē) ("(art) of health"), from hygiēs ("healthy"), related to Hygieia, the Greek goddess of health.