Lavatory

Lavatory

Noun · /ˈlæv.ə.tər.i/

Definition

A room or compartment containing a toilet and typically a washbasin; a toilet. Also called WC (water closet), loo, toilet. Formerly also a room used for washing.

Origin

From Medieval Latin lavatorium (a place for washing), from Latin lavare (to wash). The word originally meant a washing place or basin — a lavatory was where you went to wash, not necessarily where you went to use the toilet. As indoor plumbing combined washing and toilet facilities into the same room, lavatory transferred to the combined facility and then principally to the toilet function.