I. ˈwȯshə(r), ˈwäsh-, ˈwȯish-, ÷ ˈwȯrsh- or ˈwärsh- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English wassher, from wasshen to wash + -er
1.
a. : a person who washes ; specifically : a worker who cleans by washing (as clothes, animals, or materials or products in processes of preparation, manufacture, or maintenance)
b. : a machine for washing something: as
(1) : a device for removing dirt and soluble impurities from pulp and paper stock
(2) : washing machine
(3) : an apparatus or device for washing photographic materials to remove soluble chemical products (as produced by development or fixing)
(4) : an apparatus in which gases are washed : scrubber c
rotary washers
2.
[Middle English; from the motion of its tail resembling the motion of one washing clothes or dishes]
dialect England : pied wagtail
3. : any of various flat thin rings or perforated plates (as of metal or leather) used in joints or assemblies to insure tightness, prevent leakage, or relieve friction — see lock washer , spring washer
4.
[so called from its habit of washing its food before eating]
: raccoon
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to furnish with a washer