ablution
Americannoun
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a cleansing with water or other liquid, especially as a religious ritual.
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the liquid thus used.
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Usually ablutions a washing of the hands, body, etc.
noun
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the ritual washing of a priest's hands or of sacred vessels
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(often plural) the act of washing (esp in the phrase perform one's ablutions )
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informal (plural) military a washing place
Other Word Forms
- ablutionary adjective
Etymology
Origin of ablution
1350–1400; Middle English < Latin ablūtiōn- (stem of ablūtiō ), equivalent to ablūt ( us ), past participle of abluere ( abluent ) + -iōn- -ion
Explanation
An ablution is a washing or a cleaning of oneself, for personal hygiene, or a ritual washing or cleaning associated with religious observance. The word ablution comes from the Latin abluere, meaning "to wash away." Back in the Middle Ages this term referred to the use of liquids for purification in chemistry; it later took on religious meaning. All the major religions have some rituals of purification. Examples include the washing of the hands or feet, and the cleansing of sacred containers or other objects.
Vocabulary lists containing ablution
Great Expectations
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A Long Way Gone
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Siddhartha
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Understanding concepts such as ghusl – ablution – the distinctions in prostration between genders, and the prerequisites for prayer are crucial."
From BBC • Mar. 24, 2025
I used to go to Lozano’s for ablution.
From Salon • Jul. 21, 2024
Additionally, the ablution hall of one mosque was damaged inside, according to videos obtained by the group.
From Seattle Times • Nov. 21, 2023
These stones were polished and inscribed and probably intended for use in a ceremonial ritual, perhaps ablution, suggesting they originated in the seventh century.
From Scientific American • Jul. 28, 2022
She’s never even uttered the word, but she’s covered all the bases regarding ablution, hair removal, and the power of kajal—the sooty black eyeliner favored by generations of South Asian women.
From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" by Samira Ahmed
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
