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Added 9 October 2026

gangrene

/ˈɡæŋˌɡɹiːn/ noun

In Latin: gangraena Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about gangrene at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

The necrosis and rotting of flesh, usually caused by lack of blood supply.
If gangrene sets in, we may have to amputate the foot.
A damaging or corrupting influence.

verb

To produce gangrene in.
To be affected with gangrene.
To corrupt; To cause to become degenerate.

Origin

Borrowed from French gangrène, from Latin gangraena, from Ancient Greek γάγγραινα (gángraina, “gangrene”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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