gangrene
Gangrene (noun) means the death and decay of body tissue, usually caused by a lost or blocked blood supply, or infection. Example: “Doctors amputated the toes to stop the gangrene from spreading.”
How to Use Gangrene
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTissue death from loss of blood flow or infection; also used figuratively for something corrosive spreading unchecked.
Word Forms
gangrened past tense, gangrenes plural, gangrenes singular
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
Doctors amputated the toes to stop the _____ from spreading.
Etymology
Via French and Latin from Ancient Greek gángraina, meaning "gangrene".
Synonyms
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Rhymes for gangrene
See all rhymes for gangrene →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “gangrene” mean?
The word “gangrene” means the death and decay of body tissue, usually caused by a lost or blocked blood supply, or infection. In plain terms, tissue death from loss of blood flow or infection; also used figuratively for something corrosive spreading unchecked.
How do you pronounce “gangrene”?
“Gangrene” is pronounced GANG-green (/ˈɡeɪ̯ŋˌɡɹin/ in IPA).
How do you use “gangrene” in a sentence?
Here is “gangrene” used in a sentence: “Doctors amputated the toes to stop the gangrene from spreading.”
What part of speech is “gangrene”?
“Gangrene” is a noun.
Where does the word “gangrene” come from?
The word “gangrene” comes from Ancient Greek. Via French and Latin from Ancient Greek gángraina, meaning "gangrene".
How many meanings does “gangrene” have?
“Gangrene” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the death and decay of body tissue, usually caused by a lost or blocked blood supply, or infection.