ablution
UK: əˈbluːʃ(ə)n | US: əˈbluːʃən
n. the act of washing oneself, often for ritual or religious purposes
n. (formal) the process of cleaning something thoroughly
The word "ablution" traces back to Latin ablutio, derived from abluere ("to wash away"), combining ab- (away) and luere (to wash). The root lut is linked to Latin lavare (to wash), which also appears in words like "lavatory" and "dilute." Over time, "ablution" evolved to emphasize ritualistic or ceremonial washing, particularly in religious contexts.
Before prayer, Muslims perform ablution to cleanse themselves.
The priest completed his ablutions before the sacred ceremony.
She regarded her morning shower as a daily ablution.
The spa offered a luxurious ablution ritual with scented oils.
In ancient Rome, public baths were central to social ablutions.