/huy"jeen/ , n.
1. Also, hygienics . the science that deals with the preservation of health.
2. a condition or practice conducive to the preservation of health, as cleanliness.
[ 1590-1600; hygiène hygieina hygieinè ( téchne ) healthful (art), fem. of hygieinós healthful, equiv. to hygié ( s ) healthy + -inos -INE 1 ]