Noun
/ɡanˈɡɾena/
"Gangrena" refers to the localized death of tissue due to a lack of blood supply or infection. It is a critical medical condition that can result from various causes, including severe injury, infection, or underlying health issues like diabetes. In Spanish, the term is primarily used in medical contexts, meaning it is more common in written medical literature, textbooks, and discussions among healthcare professionals than in everyday oral speech. However, it can occasionally appear in common conversation, especially when discussing health matters.
The frequency of use is context-dependent but tends to be more prevalent in specialized medical discussions.
Gangrene is a serious complication of untreated infections.
Los médicos están preocupados por el riesgo de gangrena en el paciente diabético.
The doctors are concerned about the risk of gangrene in the diabetic patient.
Es fundamental tratar cualquier herida con cuidado para evitar la gangrena.
While "gangrena" is not commonly found in many idiomatic expressions in Spanish, it does appear in discussions regarding health or severe conditions. Here are a few phrases that might include or allude to "gangrena":
Used to express the idea of staying away from something dangerous or harmful.
"La gangrena moral afecta a la sociedad."
This metaphorical use denotes a deep, corrupting issue within society.
"No dejar que la gangrena se propague."
The word "gangrena" comes from the Latin "gangraena," which in turn is derived from the Greek "γκάγγραινα" (gàngraína), a term indicating a type of necrosis. The historical context of the term has maintained its association with tissue death in various languages, including its modern usage in Spanish.
In summary, "gangrena" is a critical medical term in Spanish that refers to a potentially life-threatening condition involving tissue death. Its usage is mainly in medical contexts, with a potential metaphorical application in discussions of broader issues like morality or societal problems.