ablutions
ablutions Lexical Profile
ablutions Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The ceremonial act of washing parts of the body or sacred vessels as a religious rite of purification.
"Before entering the prayer hall, worshippers perform their ritual ablutions at the courtyard fountain."
The everyday act of washing oneself and performing personal grooming (often used formally or humorously).
"After completing his morning ablutions, he dressed quickly and headed downstairs for breakfast."
British A building or block of rooms on a military base or campsite equipped with showers, sinks, and toilets for washing.
"The recruits were instructed to clean the barracks and the ablutions before morning inspection."
Word Nuance & Usage
When referring to everyday personal washing or grooming, the word is almost exclusively used in the plural form ('ablutions'), often with a formal or mildly humorous tone, whereas the singular 'ablution' is typically reserved for religious rites.
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed via Middle French from Late Latin 'ablutio', a noun of action derived from the verb 'abluere' ('to wash away'), formed from 'ab-' ('off, away') and 'luere' ('to wash').