Word
gangrene
Phoneticsgan·grene, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɡænɡɹin/
UK/ɡˈæŋɡɹiːn/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the death of body tissue, usually because the blood supply has stopped or there is a serious infection. It often affects the toes, fingers, or limbs and can be very dangerous if not treated.
n. the localised death and decomposition of body tissue, resulting from either obstructed circulation or bacterial infection. Often categorised into dry, wet, or gas varieties depending on the underlying cause and presence of infection.
Examples
“The doctor treated the wound quickly to prevent gangrene.”
“If a deep wound is left untreated and becomes infected, gangrene can set in, potentially leading to the need for amputation.”
“Historically, battlefield surgeons feared gangrene more than the initial trauma, as the lack of antibiotics meant that even minor shrapnel wounds could lead to rapid tissue necrosis and systemic sepsis.”
Examples
simple
“The doctor treated the wound quickly to prevent gangrene.”
contextual
“If a deep wound is left untreated and becomes infected, gangrene can set in, potentially leading to the need for amputation.”
complex
“Historically, battlefield surgeons feared gangrene more than the initial trauma, as the lack of antibiotics meant that even minor shrapnel wounds could lead to rapid tissue necrosis and systemic sepsis.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “gangrene” in context.
Verb
01. develop gangrene
“If the wound is not cleaned properly, the patient may develop gangrene.”
verb + noun
02. gangrene sets in
“Once gangrene sets in, the affected tissue cannot be saved and must be removed.”
noun + verb
03. gangrene spreads
“The infection was so aggressive that the gangrene spread to the surrounding healthy muscle.”
noun + verb
04. prevent gangrene
“Antibiotics were administered promptly to prevent gangrene from taking hold.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. dry gangrene
“Dry gangrene is often caused by peripheral artery disease and results in shriveled, dark skin.”
adj + noun
06. extensive gangrene
“The surgeon noted extensive gangrene in the lower limb, necessitating urgent intervention.”
adj + noun
07. gaseous gangrene
“Gaseous gangrene is a severe bacterial infection that produces toxins and gas within the tissues.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. onset of gangrene
“The rapid onset of gangrene surprised the medical team, given the patient's age.”
noun + prep + noun
09. risk of gangrene
“Diabetics must monitor their feet closely to reduce the risk of gangrene.”
noun + prep + noun
10. amputate due to gangrene
“The surgeons had no choice but to amputate the leg due to advanced gangrene.”
11. complication of gangrene
“Septic shock is a common and deadly complication of untreated wet gangrene.”
12. result in gangrene
“A total loss of blood supply to the extremities will eventually result in gangrene.”
Usage
Commonly used with the verbs 'set in' or 'develop'.
Real-World Examples
“Her lower legs were amputated after she developed gangrene.” “That could result in twisted intestines that cut off the blood supply to the bowel, ultimately leading to gangrene, if not addressed.” “The study involved 105 patients whose calf arteries were clogged so severely they developed non-healing wounds and gangrene due to a lack of oxygen-carrying blood able to reach the tissues.” “As she awaited a benefactor to fund her surgery for a congenital heart defect, gangrene resulting from the untreated condition ravaged 16-year-old Zamz Hiz’s foot.” Etymology
Borrowed from French gangrène, from Latin gangraena, from Ancient Greek γάγγραινα (gángraina, “gangrene”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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