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hygiène

hygiene, cleanliness

noun ee-ZHYEHN Rare
Body & Health Personal Care

Origin: Greek 'hygieinē' (art of health), from 'Hygieia' (goddess of health)

Usage Note

Hygiène is always feminine and is used in both personal and public health contexts — hygiène personnelle, hygiène alimentaire (food hygiene), règles d'hygiène (hygiene rules). The adjective hygiénique means 'hygienic'; papier hygiénique is the standard French term for toilet paper. The field of public health is l'hygiène publique.

Examples

"Une bonne hygiène des mains prévient de nombreuses maladies."

Natural Translation

Good hand hygiene prevents many illnesses.

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