(n.) The preservation of health through sanitary practices and good personal habits; as, personal hygiene\; that department of sanitary science which treats of the preservation of health, esp. of households and communities; a system of principles or rules designated for the promotion of health.

antisepsis decontamination disinfection disinfestation epidemiology flash pasteurization fumigation health physics hygenics hygienics mental hygiene pasteurization preventive dentistry preventive medicine prophylactic psychology prophylactodontia prophylaxis public health sanitation sterilization