noun

ablution

uh-BLOO-shun/ʌblˈuʃʌn/

Washing oneself or part of the body, especially as a religious ritual.

The priest performs an ablution as the server pours water over his fingers.

A Catholic priest performs the liturgical handwashing at Mass: an altar server pours water over the priest’s fingers into a small basin beside an altar.

Etymology

abLatinaway, off

+lutLatinto wash

+ionLatinaction or process

The pieces describe “washing off” or cleansing by washing. English uses this cleansing idea especially for a ritual act, rather than simply any ordinary wash.

In context

Nightlight Islam0:02

Every day, Muslims wash their hands, face, arms, head and feet. Not just for hygiene, but for worship. This ritual is called Wudu or in English ablution.

The Secret Benefits of Ablution. How the Wudu Impacts You. | ASMR Reflection

More examples

A basin stands ready for ritual ablutions.
He completed his morning ablutions before breakfast.
The guide explains the ablution required before worship.

Forms

ablution · ablutions

Similar words

washing: The everyday term without formal or religious associations.
purification: May involve symbolic cleansing without physical washing.