Hygeia
/haɪˈdʒiːə/noun
Hygeia is the ancient Greek goddess and personification of health, cleanliness, and disease prevention.
Did you know?Hygeia was traditionally depicted with a serpent, whose image later became an enduring symbol of medicine and healing.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Greek
Ancient Greek
Ὑγίεια (Hygieia)
“Health; the goddess personifying health and preventive care”
Classical Greek
Ancient Greek
ὑγιής (hygiēs)
“Healthy, sound, in good condition”
Hellenistic Period
Greek
Hygieia
“A major healing goddess associated with the prevention of illness”
Roman Period
Latin
Hygia
“The Greek goddess of health, adopted into Roman literary and religious tradition”
17th Century
English
Hygeia
“An English form of the goddess’s name, used in classical and medical writing”
Modern English
English
Hygeia
“A proper name referring to the Greek goddess or, figuratively, health and sanitation”