View synonyms for lavatory

lavatory

[ lav-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, plural lav·a·to·ries.

a room fitted with equipment for washing the hands and face and usually with flush toilet facilities.
a flush toilet; water closet.
a bowl or basin with running water for washing or bathing purposes; washbowl.
any place where washing is done.

lavatory

/ -trɪ; ˈlævətərɪ /

Also calledtoiletwater closetWC
1. a sanitary installation for receiving and disposing of urine and faeces, consisting of a bowl fitted with a water-flushing device and connected to a drain
2. a room containing such an installation
the washing place in a convent or monastic establishment

1325–75; Middle English lavatorie < Late Latin lavātōrium washing-place, equivalent to Latin lavā ( re ) to wash + -tōrium -tory ²

C14: from Late Latin lavātōrium, from Latin lavāre to wash

He jiggled the faceted glass door knob to let the person inside know he was hogging the lavatory.

The impromptu Bombastes excited universal applause, and just at the end Wright ran in through the lavatory.

The consequence was, that I was severely hurt, and might have been seriously injured in entering the lavatory.

There was a little lavatory off the third room of the suite, and Mr. Norcross went in and washed his face and hands.

On the other, through a curtained alcove, he could see a tiny lavatory.

A study of the illustrations will show clearly how the lavatory has been improved.

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