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Latrine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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latrine

[lษ™หˆtriหn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in military context

A latrine is a toilet or a trench in the ground used as a toilet by soldiers in a military camp.

Synonyms

loo, outhouse, toilet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
latrine

Typically used in military or camp settings, refers to a basic toilet facility, often outdoors. Less common in everyday use.

  • The soldiers used the latrine
  • The campers dug a latrine
toilet

Commonly used in most English-speaking countries, especially in formal and informal contexts. Suitable for everyday conversation and professional settings.

  • I need to find a toilet
  • The office has clean toilets
outhouse

Refers to a small, separate building containing a toilet, typically found in rural areas. Has an old-fashioned connotation.

  • The farmhouse has an outhouse
  • They built an outhouse behind the cabin
loo

Popular in British English, more informal and often used in casual conversations.

  • Where's the nearest loo? He went to the loo

Examples of usage

  • The soldiers dug a latrine to use during their training exercise.
  • Make sure to clean the latrine regularly to prevent the spread of diseases.
Context #2 | Noun

in informal context

A latrine can also refer to a very dirty or unpleasant place.

Synonyms

cesspool, dump, pigsty.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
latrine

Typically used in a military or camping setting to describe a communal toilet or basic sanitation facility.

  • The soldiers built a temporary latrine next to the campsite.
  • During the hiking trip, we were instructed to use the latrine for sanitation.
cesspool

Often refers to an underground container for the temporary storage of liquid waste and sewage, giving a sense of something dirty or unpleasant.

  • The backyard had an old cesspool that needed to be cleaned out.
  • Living near an open cesspool is a health hazard.
dump

Used to describe a place where waste and trash are disposed of, or informally, to describe a dirty, neglected place. This term can have a negative connotation when describing a place.

  • The city's dump is located on the outskirts of town.
  • This apartment is such a dump; it's filthy and poorly maintained.
pigsty

Informally used to describe a very messy or dirty place, often in a home or personal space. This word has a negative connotation due to its association with pigs and their typically dirty living conditions.

  • Your room looks like a pigsty! Clean it up immediately.
  • His office is a pigsty; papers and clutter are everywhere.

Examples of usage

  • The abandoned building was a latrine, full of garbage and filth.
  • The alley behind the restaurant was a latrine, attracting rats and insects.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • Before modern toilets, various civilizations created latrines using pits or trenches to dispose of waste.
  • In medieval Europe, latrines were commonly found in castles, built over moats for natural waste disposal.

Cultural Practices

  • In some cultures, latrines are seen as essential for hygiene, reflecting the importance of clean waste management in public health.
  • Traditional latrines in rural areas often serve as gathering spots for social interaction as well as their primary function.

Military Context

  • In military settings, latrines are strategically placed to maintain hygiene and prevent disease among troops.
  • Field latrines are often temporary structures made for convenience during deployments in remote areas.

Modern Innovations

  • Modern latrines may include waterless toilets that use composting to manage waste sustainably in areas without plumbing.
  • Portable latrines, commonly seen at events or construction sites, incorporate advanced sanitation technologies for better hygiene.

Origin of 'latrine'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'latrina', which means 'to wash'.
  • In ancient Rome, latrines were communal, often featuring benches with holes, illustrating early public restroom culture.

The word 'latrine' originated from the French word 'latrines', which in turn came from the Latin word 'latrina' meaning 'a bath or a wash-house'. The term evolved over time to refer specifically to a toilet or a trench used for waste disposal, especially in military contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,134, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.