Lotion Means a Washing
A lotion is a liquid applied to the skin. The Latin root is washing, which is where lavatory and laundry come from too.
A lotion is a liquid preparation applied to the skin. The Latin *lavare*, to wash, sits behind a large family: *lavatory*, *laundry*, *lavender* (used in washing), *deluge* and *dilute*. A lotion was originally a wash rather than a cream, and the sense of application rather than cleansing came later.
- A liquid skin preparation. *Hand lotion.*
- A medicinal wash. *Calamine lotion.*
- Suntan lotion — for sun protection. *Apply suntan lotion.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | lotion | Body lotion. |
| Plural | lotions | Various lotions. |
| Related | lavatory | A public lavatory. |
| Related | laundry | The laundry basket. |
| Related | dilute | Dilute the acid. |
How it is used in a sentence
- Calamine lotion soothes itching.Medicinal.
- Lavatory means a washing place.Not a lavatory in the modern sense originally.
- Lotion is thinner than cream.Cosmetic distinction.
Words from *lavare*, to wash
- Lotion — a washing preparation
- Lavatory — a place for washing
- Laundry — washing of clothes
- Lavender — associated with washing and linen
- Deluge — a washing away, a flood
From Old French *lotion*, from Latin *lotionem*, a washing, from *lavare*, to wash.
Lotion or cream?
Lotion has a higher water content and is thinner. Cream is thicker and generally more occlusive.
Is lavender related?
Probably. The plant was used to scent washed linen, and the name is usually linked to the Latin verb for washing.