ˌpyu̇rəfə̇ˈkāshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French, from Latin purification-, purificatio, from purificatus (past participle of purificare to purify) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at purify
1. : an act of purifying : the act or operation of removing impure, noxious, or foreign matter
2.
a. : the act or operation of cleansing ceremonially by removing any pollution or defilement
b. : a cleansing from guilt or the pollution of sin : extinction of sinful desires or deliverance from their dominating power : spiritual or moral purgation
purification through repentance
3. : the ceremony of bathing performed by Jewish women after menstruation in accordance with biblical law