hygienic
UK: haɪˈdʒiːnɪk | US: haɪˈdʒɛnɪk
adj. relating to or promoting hygiene; clean and sanitary
adj. free from harmful or unhygienic elements
hygienic = hygie<health> + nic<adjective suffix>
- hygie: Derived from Greek hygieia (health), personified as the goddess Hygieia in Greek mythology, associated with cleanliness and disease prevention.
- nic: An adjective-forming suffix indicating a relationship or quality (e.g., electronic, organic).
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Hygieia, the Greek goddess of health, whose name symbolized preventive care and cleanliness. The modern term hygienic emerged in the 19th century, reflecting scientific advancements in sanitation. The suffix -nic adapts the root into an adjective, emphasizing cleanliness as a measurable quality.
Hospitals must maintain hygienic conditions to prevent infections.
The restaurant was praised for its hygienic food preparation practices.
Always store food in hygienic containers to avoid contamination.
The dentist’s tools are sterilized to ensure a hygienic environment.
Public restrooms should be kept hygienic for user safety.