Hygienics
/haɪˈdʒiːnɪks/noun
The study or practice of maintaining health through cleanliness and preventive care.
Did you know?Hygieia was worshipped alongside her father Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine, and her name survives in English through hygiene and hygienics.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Ὑγίεια (Hygieia)
“Health; also the name of the goddess personifying health and prevention”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ὑγιεινή (hygieinē)
“The art or practice of maintaining health”
17th Century
French
hygiène
“Health-preserving practices; hygiene”
17th Century
English
hygiene
“The science or practice of preserving health”
19th Century
English
hygienics
“The study or system of hygiene and health preservation”
Modern English
English
hygienics
“Preventive health practice, especially through cleanliness and sanitation”