Lavatory. Another word with a Latin root, lavatory comes from 'lavare'. During the Medieval period it evolved into 'lavatorium' (which means washbasin), before arriving at the lavatory at some point in the 14th century.

What is the difference between a toilet and a lavatory?

Actually, "lavatory" in the US is generally taken to mean the sink or basin used for washing hands, while "toilet" refers to the other round fixture. The room is either "toilet", "bathroom", or "restroom". In plumbing/DiY, a "lavatory" usually includes a sink mounted in a cabinet.

Why do planes call it lavatory?

Lavant. The name lavatory comes from the Latin, meaning a room where people wash themselves. ... So, in these so-called "lavatories" you cannot wash yourself! They provide disinfectant hand-wipes, or at least they do now.