Lustral
/ˈlʌs.trəl/noun
Relating to ritual purification or cleansing.
Did you know?In ancient Rome, a lustration could purify an entire population through a ceremonial procession and the sacrifice of a pig, sheep, and bull—the suovetaurilia.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*leuk-
“To shine or be bright; a proposed ancient root connected with Latin words for light and illumination.”
Classical Latin
Latin
lustrare
“To illuminate, survey, or ritually purify; the purification sense became especially important in religious ceremony.”
Classical Latin
Latin
lustrum
“A solemn Roman purification ceremony, traditionally performed every five years.”
Classical Latin
Latin
lustralis
“Pertaining to purification or a lustration ritual.”
Late Latin
Latin
lustralis
“Relating to ceremonial cleansing or purification.”
17th Century
English
lustral
“Pertaining to ritual purification; adopted into English as a learned term.”
Modern English
English
lustral
“Connected with ritual or symbolic purification.”
Explore more surprising origins