Hygiene
/ˈhaɪ.dʒiːn/noun
The practice of maintaining health and preventing disease, especially through cleanliness.
Did you know?The word 'Hygiene' comes from Hygieia, the Greek goddess of health and cleanliness, highlighting ancient beliefs in the divine connection to wellbeing.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ὑγιεία (hygieia)
“Health, derived from the idea of being whole or sound.”
14th Century
Old French
hygiene
“The science of health, focusing on practices that promote cleanliness.”
17th Century
English
hygiene
“Adoption of the term into English denoting health practices.”
Modern English
English
hygiene
“Refers broadly to the principles and practices of cleanliness in personal and public health.”
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