English · Body & Health
hygiene
/ˈhaɪ.dʒiːn/
[/ˈhaɪ.dʒiːn/]
cleanliness practices
Intermediatenoun
Definition
The practice of keeping yourself and your surroundings clean in order to stay healthy and prevent disease.
Example
Teachers remind young children about good hygiene, like washing their hands before every meal.
Teachers remind young children about good hygiene, like washing their hands before every meal.
Etymology
From Greek 'hygieine techne' (art of health), named after Hygieia, the goddess of health.
How & Where It’s Used
Used in personal, dental, and public health contexts.