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 bathroom and a lavatory?

A lavatory is a bathroom or a restroom. ... Lavatory is a slightly formal way to say "bathroom." Most people would never refer to this room in their own homes as a lavatory, although they might use this word for public restrooms in schools, hospitals, or other buildings.

Is a bathroom called 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.