Toilet

Definition

Toilet refers to a fixture used for the disposal of human waste, typically consisting of a bowl connected to a sewage system. It can also refer to the act of personal grooming or the room containing such a fixture.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtɔɪ.lɪt/
• Respelling: TOY-lit

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtɔɪ.lɪt/
• Respelling: TOY-lit

Etymology

The word "toilet" originates from the French "toilette," meaning "a cloth for dressing," derived from "toile" (cloth). It was first used in English to refer to the act of personal grooming and later extended to mean a room or fixture for personal hygiene.

Derivatives

• Toiletry (noun)
• Toilette (noun, archaic)
• Toilet-trained (adjective)
• Toilet paper (noun)
• Toileting (noun/verb)

Synonyms

• Restroom
• Lavatory
• Bathroom

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The noun "toilet" is used to refer to both the fixture for waste disposal and the room containing it, such as "The toilet is at the end of the hallway." Historically, it referred to personal grooming, as in "She attended to her toilet before the ball."

Related Terms

• Hygiene: Practices to maintain health and cleanliness.
• Sewage: Waste material carried away by drainage systems.
• Sanitation: Systems for maintaining public health, especially clean water and waste disposal.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A fixture for waste disposal: Refers to the plumbing fixture designed for the removal of human waste.
  • Example: "The new house has a modern toilet with advanced features."
• A room containing such a fixture: Refers to the space where the toilet fixture is located.
  • Example: "Please excuse me; I need to use the toilet."
• The act of grooming or dressing: An archaic use describing the process of personal grooming.
  • Example: "She spent an hour at her toilet, preparing for the event."