noun
gangrene
GANG-green
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.”
noun
1
The death and decay of body tissue, usually caused by a lost or blocked blood supply, or infection.
"If gangrene sets in, we may have to amputate the foot."
"Doctors amputated the toes to stop the gangrene from spreading."
2
Figuratively, a corrupting or destructive influence spreading through something.
"Corruption spread through the department like gangrene."
"Women should earn equal wages with men for equal work done. Child marriages and polygamy are a gangrene on society."
— Cora Vreede-de Stuers, The Indonesian woman: struggles and achievements (1960)
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.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
develop gangrene
gangrene sets in
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Word forms
- Plural
- gangrenes
- Third person singular
- gangrenes
- Past tense
- gangrened
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.
