abluent

[ ab-loo-uhnt ]

adjective

1. serving to cleanse.

noun

1. a cleansing agent.

Word History and Origins

Origin of abluent¹

1745–55; < Latin abluent- (stem of abluēns, present participle of abluere to wash away), equivalent to ab- ab- + -lū- combining form of lavere to wash + -ent -ent

Example Sentences

Abluent, ab′lōō-ent, adj. washing or cleaning by a liquid.—n. a medicine which carries off impurities from the system.

From Project Gutenberg

She plays to win; And whirls to dust her overlings; Her abluent winds shall spare no sin, Though hidden in the breast of kings; And Earth is smiling as she takes To her old lap their fallen bones, For down the throbbing ways there wakes The laughter of her greater sons.

From Project Gutenberg

Associated word: catheretic. warty, a. excrescent, verrucose, verruciform. wary, a. guarded, cautious, circumspect, careful, vigilant. wash, v. lave, bathe, absterge, foment, rinse; launder. wash, n. lotion. washbowl, n. lavatory, washbasin, laver. washerwoman, n. laundress. washhouse, n. laundry. washing, n. ablution, bath, bathing, lavement; abstersion, detersion, fomentation; laundering, laundry. washing away. detergent, abluent. washing soda. sodium carbonate. washstand, n. commode. wasp, n.

From Project Gutenberg