lave

UK: leɪv | US: leɪv

Definition

  1. vt. to wash or bathe (archaic or poetic)

  2. vt. to flow along or against (as of water)

Structure
lav <wash>
Etymology

lave = lav<wash> + e (verbal suffix)

  • lav<wash>: From Latin lavare (to wash), preserved in words like lavatory and lava (originally referring to volcanic "flows").
  • e: A common verbal suffix in English, often marking infinitive or imperative forms.

Etymology Origin:
The word lave traces back to Latin lavare, which also gave rise to lotion and laundry. Its poetic usage reflects its ancient roots, where "washing" was metaphorically extended to describe water's gentle action (e.g., waves laving the shore). Over time, it became archaic in everyday speech but survives in literary contexts.

Examples

  1. The river laves the stones smooth over centuries.

  2. She would lave her hands in the cool stream each morning.

  3. The tide laves the beach, leaving behind seashells.

  4. In old hymns, grace is said to lave the soul clean.

  5. The poet described moonlight laving the meadow in silver.