lavatory
UK /ˈlæv.ə.tɹi/ · US /ˈlæv.ə.t(ɔ)ɹ.i/ noun, adjective
Forms lavatories lavat'ry
- noun A vessel or fixture for washing, particularly:
- noun A laver: a washbasin.
- noun (archaic) A bathtub.
- noun (Christianity) A piscina: the basin used for washing communion vessels.
- noun (Christianity) A lavabo: the basin used for washing one's hands before handling the Eucharist.
- noun (Christianity, usually figurative) A baptismal font: the basin used for baptism, used figuratively for the washing away of sins.
- noun (construction, interior design) A plumbing fixture used for washing: a sink. “Their 'bathroom' included a toilet and a lavatory but no bath.”
- noun Handwashing as an act, particularly
- adjective (dated) Washing, or cleansing by washing.
Synonyms
bathroom washbasin sink toilet lav can john privy basin washbowl washstand flush toilet
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.
From Latin lavātōrius.
Webster’s 1913
- adjective Washing, or cleansing by washing.
- noun A place for washing.
- noun A basin or other vessel for washing in.
Etymology [L. lavatorium: cf. lavatoire. See Lave to wash, and cf. Laver.]
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “lavatory”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details