noun
gangrene
GANG-green
noun
1
The death and decay of body tissue, usually caused by a lost or blocked blood supply, or infection.
"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."
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.
Common pairings
develop gangrene
gangrene sets in
Word Forms
gangrened past tense, gangrenes plural, gangrenes singular
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Doctors amputated the toes to stop the _____ from spreading.
Etymology
Via French and Latin from Ancient Greek gángraina, meaning "gangrene".