noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English wasching, from gerund of waschen to wash
1. : the act or action of one that cleanses with water
gave himself a good washing
gave the clothes a thorough washing
2. washings plural
a. : liquid that has been used to wash something
b.
(1) : metal (as gold dust) obtained by washing
(2) : a place or soil yielding metal or gems under washing
c. : material collected by the washing of bodily cavity
sinus washings
throat washings
3.
a. : the action of waves or running water : the erosion or removal of material by running water
b. washings plural : material abraded or transported by the action of water
4.
a. : the operation of bathing, drenching, or coating with a liquid (as in mining ore)
b. : the act or process of applying a thin coat of paint (as watercolor)
c. : the dipping of fruits (as apples, pears, or plums) in a dilute solution of hydrochloric acid followed by rinsing in water as a means of removing spray residues that might be toxic to humans
5. : a thin covering or coat
a washing of silver
6. : clothes or other articles washed or to be washed especially at one time : wash
the washing was hanging in the back garden — J.I.Jones
7. : the execution of a wash sale