ablution means the act of washing something.; Originally, the purifying of oils and other substances by emulsification with hot water; now more generally, a thorough cleansing of a precipitate or other non-dissolved substance.
ablution is pronounced /əˈbluː.ʃn̩/.
Why “ablution” is a great word
The ritual or hygienic act of washing oneself. From Middle English ablucioun, from Old French ablution, from Late Latin ablūtiō ("a washing away"), from abluō ("wash away"), from ab- ("away") + lavō ("wash"), first attested in English in the late 14th century. Unlike "bath," which denotes immersion for cleansing or leisure, or "purification," a broad spiritual or moral cleansing, ablution is the deliberate, prescribed gesture of water against skin as boundary and threshold. It is the cold splash on the face at dawn, the careful washing of hands before prayer, the methodical pouring from a brass vessel—each a small ceremony of becoming fit to meet the world, as if cleanliness were not merely health but permission.
Etymology
From Middle English ablucioun (“cleansing of impurities”), from Old French ablution, and its source, Late Latin ablūtiō (“a washing away”), from abluō (“wash away”), from ab- (“away”) + lavō (“wash”).
noun
- The act of washing something.; Originally, the purifying of oils and other substances by emulsification with hot water; now more generally, a thorough cleansing of a precipitate or other non-dissolved substance.
- The act of washing something.; The act of washing or cleansing the body, or some part of it, as a religious rite.“Let water be brought to perform my ablutions, and let the pious Fakreddin be called to offer up his prayers with mine.”
- The act of washing something.; Washing oneself; bathing, cleaning oneself up.“He followed the steps of Bella, who soon conducted him to his chamber, and left him to those ablutions which a long ride along a sandy road had rendered particularly necessary.”
- The act of washing something.; The rinsing of the priest's hand and the sacred vessel following the Communion with, depending on rite, water or a mix of it and wine, which may then be drunk by the priest.
- The act of washing something.; wudu, ritual washing of the limbs and head performed immediately before prayer or holding the Quran
- The liquid used in the cleansing or ablution.“Cast the ablutions in the main”
- The ritual consumption by the deacon or priest of leftover sacred wine of host after the Communion.
- The location or building where the showers and basins are located.
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