Main Entry: ab·lu·tion

Pronunciation: \ə-ˈblü-shən, a-\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French, from Late Latin ablution-, ablutio, from Latin abluere to wash away, from ab- + lavere to wash — more at lye

Date: 1533

1 a : the washing of one's body or part of it (as in a religious rite) b plural : the act or action of bathing
2 plural British : a building housing bathing and toilet facilities on a military base

— ab·lu·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē, -ˌne-rē\ adjective