English Explanatory Dictionary

lavatory

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A vessel or fixture for washing, particularly
  2. A vessel or fixture for washing
  3. A laver: a washbasin.
  4. A bathtub.
  5. A piscina: the basin used for washing communion vessels.
  6. A lavabo: the basin used for washing one's hands before handling the Eucharist.
  7. A baptismal font: the basin used for baptism, used figuratively for the washing away of sins.
  8. A plumbing fixture used for washing: a sink.
  9. Handwashing as an act, particularly
  10. The lavabo: the ritual washing of hands before handling the eucharist.
  11. The ritual washing of hands after using the piscina to clean the communion vessels.
  12. A liquid used in washing; a lotion; a wash; a rinse.
adj
  1. Washing, or cleansing by washing.

Pronunciation

/ˈlæv.ə.tɹi/ /ˈlæv.ə.təɹ.i/ /ˈlæv.ə.t(ɔ)ɹ.i/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-lavatory.wav

Word forms

lavatory lavatories lavat'ry

Etymology

From Middle English lavatorie, from Late Latin lavātōrium, from Latin lavāre (“to wash”) + -ium (forming places related to an activity). As a place to pan gold, via Spanish lavadero. Doublet of lavatorium and laver. See also lave.

Synonyms

washbasin sink toilet bathroom

Related words

lavatorium lavatorial

Derived words

lav lavatorial lavatory attendant lavatory basin lavatory bowl lavatory brush lavatory chain lavatory cleanser lavatory humor lavatory joke lavatory pan lavatory paper lavatory period lavatory room lavatory seat lavatory stone lavatory style lavvy
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