hygiene

American  

[hahy-jeen] / ˈhaɪ dʒin /

noun

1. Also the science that deals with the preservation of health.

2. a condition or practice conducive to the preservation of health, as cleanliness.

   Poor personal hygiene can lead to health issues such as skin infections.

   Mental hygiene in children should be constantly monitored by parents and teachers.

3. a beneficial or recommended practice or set of practices (used in combination).

   Using the same password on all of your important accounts is simply not good password hygiene.

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hygiene British  

/ ˈhaɪdʒiːn /

noun

1. Also called: hygienics.  the science concerned with the maintenance of health

2. clean or healthy practices or thinking

   personal hygiene

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Usage

What does hygiene mean? Hygiene is a collection of practices to promote and preserve health, or a condition involving the use of such practices.In its most popular sense, hygiene refers to habitual actions that help you stay physically healthy, such as washing your hands and brushing your teeth. This sense of the word is especially used in phrases like personal hygiene and good hygiene. Personal hygiene is closely associated with cleanliness.Hygiene can also be applied to one’s mental well-being—mental hygiene is the practice of trying to maintain mental health through proactive behavior and treatment.The word hygiene is also used to refer to the science that deals with preserving health—both of individuals and the general public. Another word for this is hygienics.The adjective hygienic can mean related to or involving hygiene, promoting good health, or sanitary.Example: Washing your hands is the easiest way to improve your personal hygiene.

Etymology

Origin of hygiene

First recorded in 1590–1600; from French hygiène, from New Latin hygieina, from Greek hygieinḕ (téchnē) “healthful (art),” feminine of hygieinós “healthful,” equivalent to hygiḗ(s) “healthy” + -inos -ine ¹

Example Sentences

That’s the eternal question for many faith leaders, even ones with better dental hygiene.

From Los Angeles Times

The writer claimed inspectors needed to "modernise" after two-star Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms received a hygiene rating of one out of five after food safety officers visited on 5 November.

From BBC

The chef behind Wales' only two-Michelin-star restaurant has said he is "not embarrassed" after it was awarded a one-star hygiene rating.

From BBC

An industrial hygiene firm found “serious and extensive” contamination by multiple toxins, including cyanide, lithium, lead, arsenic and beryllium, according to a report reviewed by The Times.

From Los Angeles Times

Both were suspended pending an investigation into the alleged breach of food hygiene standards.

From BBC

Related Words

• sanitation