gangrène

gangrene

noun gahn-GREHN Rare

Origin: From Greek 'gangraina' via Latin 'gangraena'.

Also means

corruption, rot (figurative)

Usage Note

Gangrène in medicine refers to the death of body tissue due to infection or loss of blood supply. Figuratively, it is used powerfully in French to describe a corrupting force spreading through an institution or society — la gangrène de la corruption.

Examples

"La gangrène avait atteint son pied."

Natural Translation

Gangrene had reached his foot.

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