washeteria

English

Alternative forms

• washateria, washerteria

Etymology

Blend of wash +‎ cafeteria. The trademark Wash-a-teria was prominent in the U.S. South during the 1930s.

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ɪəɹiə

Noun

washeteria (plural washeterias)

1. Synonym of laundromat
2. A building that houses a village's only running water for drinking, washing, and showering.
   • 1997, Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey, link

     A washeteria is a single building with showers, toilets, and washing machines. The washeteria often doubles as a water treatment plant with heated water storage.

Related terms

• drugeteria