rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryhygienicClean and health-protecting
adjective

hygienic

high-JEN-ik/haɪˈdʒenɪk/

Clean in a way that helps prevent disease.

Washing your hands helps keep food preparation safe and hygienic.

A woman thoroughly washes her soapy hands under running water at a clean sink, making health-promoting cleanliness visible.
Etymology
hygienGreekhealthy, sound
+icFrenchrelating to

The health root also underlies the Greek expression “the healthful art.” Hygienic describes cleanliness in its health-preserving role: conditions or practices that help keep people well.

In context

Flavour Interreg2seas6:19
making sure that they are always below 5 degrees celsius and ensure all areas are clean tidy and hygienic at the end of the day
The Issue of Surplus Food, and What It's Like Inside a Warehouse

More examples

  • The kitchen staff follows hygienic practices when handling raw meat.
  • Fresh towels help keep the shared bathroom hygienic.
  • Store clean bandages in a dry, hygienic place.

Forms

hygienic

hygiene noun — Cleanliness practices that help protect health.

hygienically adverb — In a clean, health-protecting way.

Similar words

sanitary
Especially describes conditions or facilities that meet health standards.
clean
Means free of dirt, without necessarily implying disease prevention.
sterile
Means completely free of living microorganisms, a stricter condition.