gangrene

What it means

1. countableuncountableThe necrosis and rotting of flesh, usually caused by lack of blood supply.

   If gangrene sets in, we may have to amputate the foot.

   Synonyms: sphacel

2. countablefigurativelyuncountableA damaging or corrupting influence.

   Women should earn equal wages with men for equal work done. Child marriages and polygamy are a gangrene on society.

   1960, Cora Vreede-de Stuers, The Indonesian woman: struggles and achievements

In a sentence

If gangrene sets in, we may have to amputate the foot.

Where it comes from

1. Ancient Greekγάγγραινα“gangrene”
2. Latingangraena
3. Frenchgangrène
4. Englishgangrene

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