hygiene
HY-jeen
/ˈhaɪdʒiːn/
Conditions or practices conducive to maintaining health and preventing disease, especially through cleanliness.
Usually refers to personal habits (hand washing, showering) rather than environmental systems.
The story behind the word. Named after Hygieia, the Greek goddess of health and cleanliness. While her father Asclepius focused on curing disease, Hygieia focused on preventing it through proper living and environment.
Word relationships
- cleanliness: Cleanliness is the state; hygiene is the practice or set of rules.
- filth: Disgusting dirt or refuse.
Commonly confused with
- sanitation: Hygiene is what you do; sanitation is what the building or city does.
Word family
- hygienic (adjective): Conducive to maintaining health and preventing disease.
- hygienist (noun): A specialist in hygiene.
Collocations
- personal hygiene
- dental hygiene
- poor hygiene
- hygiene standards
Example sentences
- "Good personal hygiene is mandatory for all staff working in the food preparation area." Employee handbook
- "Teaching children basic hygiene, such as washing their hands, is the best way to prevent the flu." Health education
Memory hook
Hygiene is 'high'-ly important for 'gene'-ral health. The goddess of clean.
When not to use
Do not use for the cleaning of large-scale sewage or water systems; use 'sanitation' instead.
Fun facts
- The ancient Romans were famous for their hygiene, building massive public baths and complex sewer systems.
- The word 'hygiene' didn't enter the English language until the late 1600s.
Related words
Explore more words
sanitation, Preventative care, prophylactic, regimen, wellness, precaution
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