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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