ablution

noun9

1. •
   The act of washing something.
2. •
   Originally, the purifying of oils and other substances by emulsification with hot water; now more generally, a thorough cleansing of a precipitate or other non-dissolved substance.
3. •
   The act of washing or cleansing the body, or some part of it, as a religious rite.

   • Let water be brought to perform my ablutions, and let the pious Fakreddin be called to offer up his prayers with mine. — 1786
4. •
   The rinsing of the priest's hand and the sacred vessel following the Communion with, depending on rite, water or a mix of it and wine, which may then be drunk by the priest.
5. •
   wudu, ritual washing of the limbs and head performed immediately before prayer or holding the Quran
6. •
   [usually plural] (literary, humorous) Washing oneself; bathing, cleaning oneself up.

   • He followed the steps of Bella, who soon conducted him to his chamber, and left him to those ablutions which a long ride along a sandy road had rendered particularly necessary. — 1835
7. •
   [plural only] (UK) The location or building where the showers and basins are located.
8. •
   The liquid used in the cleansing or ablution.
9. •
   The ritual consumption by the deacon or priest of leftover sacred wine of host after the Communion.