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oxygène

oxygen

noun ok-see-ZHEN Less Common

Origin: Greek oxys (sharp) + gennan (produce) — coined by Lavoisier

Usage Note

oxygène is a masculine noun despite ending in -ène. The expression avoir besoin d'oxygène is used figuratively to mean needing room to breathe or relief. Une bouffée d'oxygène literally means 'a breath of fresh air' and is commonly used figuratively.

Examples

"Le corps a besoin d'oxygène pour vivre."

Natural Translation

The body needs oxygen to live.

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