Definition of: ablution

(ab·l′shən) n.
1. A washing or cleansing, especially of the body; a bath.
2. A ceremonial or symbolic washing; especially, in the Roman Catholic Church, the wine and water used to remove any trace of the eucharistic elements from the chalice and the priest's fingers after communion.
3. The washing of the hands of the priest before, during, and after the celebration of the Mass.
4. Any liquid used in washing or cleansing. [<L ablutio, -onis <abluere wash away. See ABLUENT.]
—ab·lu′tion·ar'y adj.