cleanth

English

Etymology

From clean +‎ -th, modelled after filth, health, wealth, etc.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈklɛnθ/
• Rhymes: -ɛnθ

Noun

cleanth (uncountable)

1. (rare, nonstandard) The condition or state of being clean; cleanliness
   • 1924, Sherwood Anderson, A Story Teller's Story:

     "Cleanth and fresh air — that's what I believe in. Throw open the doors and the windows. Let's have some fresh air in here."

   • 1983, Max Harris, The Unknown Great Australian and Other Psychobiographical Portraits:

     The Victorians didn't place the highest of priorities on cleanth, and Kingsley played no small part in proselytizing the cause of cleanliness as being part of the godliness business.

   • 2001, Susannah Hagan, Taking Shape: A New Contract Between Architecture and Nature:

     'Purity' and 'pollution', the results of 'good' and 'bad' practice respectively, connote spiritual cleanliness and uncleanliness as well as literal 'cleanth' and filth.

Anagrams

• Chantel, lanceth