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.

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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.

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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.

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