rinse

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to wash something briefly with clean water, especially to remove soap, dirt, or residue

   Rinse the rice under cold water before cooking it.

2. 2
   noun

   an act of washing something briefly with clean water

   Give the cups a final rinse before placing them on the rack.

3. 3
   noun

   a liquid preparation used after washing, especially for the mouth or hair

   The dentist recommended an alcohol-free mouth rinse.

From Middle English rinsen, through Old French rincier or reinser. Its deeper origin is disputed; it may be Germanic and related to Old Norse hreinsa ("to clean or purify"), or may reflect a Latin word meaning "to make fresh."

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