Main Entry: hy·giene

Pronunciation: \ˈhī-ˌjēn also hī-ˈ\

Function: noun

Etymology: French hygiène & New Latin hygieina, from Greek, neuter plural of hygieinos healthful, from hygiēs healthy; akin to Sanskrit su well and to Latin vivus living — more at quick

Date: 1671

1 : a science of the establishment and maintenance of health
2 : conditions or practices (as of cleanliness) conducive to health

— hy·gien·ist \hī-ˈjē-nist, ˈhī-ˌjē-, hī-ˈje-\ noun