sanitary
UK: ˈsæn.ɪ.tər.i | US: ˈsæn.ɪ.ter.i
adj. relating to cleanliness and health, especially in public environments
adj. free from dirt, infection, or disease
n. (rare) a public facility for maintaining hygiene (e.g., restroom)
sanitary = san<health> + itary<adjective suffix>
- san<health>: From Latin sanitas (health), derived from sanus (healthy, sound).
- itary<adjective suffix>: Latin -itarius, forming adjectives related to a state or function (e.g., solitary, military).
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin sanus (healthy), reflecting its focus on health-preserving conditions. The suffix -itary systematizes it into an adjective, emphasizing functionality (e.g., sanitary measures). Over time, it narrowed to hygiene contexts, particularly in public health.
Hospitals must maintain strict sanitary standards to prevent infections.
The restaurant was shut down for violating sanitary regulations.
Portable sanitary stations were installed at the festival.
She packed sanitary wipes for the camping trip.
Ancient Rome advanced sanitary engineering with aqueducts and sewers.