The difference between Lavatory and Washbasin

When used as nouns, lavatory means a vessel or fixture for washing, particularly: a laver: a washbasin. a bathtub. a piscina: the basin used for washing communion vessels. a lavabo: the basin used for washing one's hands before handling the eucharist. a baptismal font: the basin used for baptism, used figuratively for the washing away of sins. a plumbing fixture used for washing: a sink, whereas washbasin means a basin used for washing, particularly a permanently installed sink, fitted with a water supply and a drain, in which one may wash one's hands and face.


Lavatory is also adjective with the meaning: washing, or cleansing by washing.

check bellow for the other definitions of Lavatory and Washbasin

  1. Lavatory as a noun (archaic):

    A vessel or fixture for washing, particularly: A laver: a washbasin. A bathtub. A piscina: the basin used for washing communion vessels. A lavabo: the basin used for washing one's hands before handling the Eucharist. A baptismal font: the basin used for baptism, used figuratively for the washing away of sins. A plumbing fixture used for washing: a sink.

    Examples:

    "Their 'bathroom' included a toilet and a lavatory but no bath."

  2. Lavatory as a noun (Christianity):

    Handwashing, particularly The lavabo: the ritual washing of hands before handling the eucharist. The ritual washing of hands after using the piscina to clean the communion vessels.

  3. Lavatory as a noun (obsolete):

    A liquid used in washing; a lotion; a wash; a rinse.

  4. Lavatory as a noun (dated):

    A washroom: a room used for washing the face and hands.

  5. Lavatory as a noun (euphemism):

    A room containing a toilet: a bathroom or WC .

    Examples:

    "Americans don't know '[[WC]]' and Brits mock '[[bathroom]]' but everyone usually understands '[[toilet]]' or '[[lavatory]]'."

  6. Lavatory as a noun (UK, New England):

    A plumbing fixture for urination and defecation: a toilet.

  7. Lavatory as a noun (dated):

    A place to wash clothes: a laundry.

  8. Lavatory as a noun (obsolete):

    A place where gold is panned.

  9. Lavatory as a noun (obsolete):

    A paved room in a mortuary where corpses are kept under a shower of disinfecting fluid.

  1. Lavatory as an adjective (dated):

    Washing, or cleansing by washing.

  1. Washbasin as a noun:

    A basin used for washing, particularly a permanently installed sink, fitted with a water supply and a drain, in which one may wash one's hands and face.