gangrene
UK: ˈɡaŋɡriːn | US: ˈɡæŋˌɡrin
n. A severe and potentially life-threatening condition where body tissue dies due to infection or lack of blood supply.
vt. To cause or undergo tissue death.
gangrene = gangr<decay> + ene<noun suffix>
- gangr<decay>: From Greek gangraina (γάγγραινα), meaning "eating sore" or "necrosis."
- ene<noun suffix>: A suffix used in medical terminology, derived from Greek -aine, indicating a condition or state.
Etymology Origin:
The word gangrene traces back to ancient Greek medicine, where gangraina described tissue decay caused by infection or circulatory failure. Latin adopted it as gangraena, and Old French later shaped it into gangrene. The term has retained its grim medical connotation, reflecting the destructive nature of the condition. The morpheme gangr- vividly captures the idea of "gnawing" decay, while -ene formalizes it as a pathological state.
Untreated diabetes can lead to gangrene in the extremities.
The surgeon amputated the leg to prevent gangrene from spreading.
In medieval times, gangrene was often fatal due to limited medical knowledge.
Frostbite increases the risk of developing gangrene.
Antibiotics are crucial to combat infection-induced gangrene.