douche

 
Pronunciation: /duːʃ/

noun

  • a shower of water: I felt better for taking a daily douche
  • a jet of liquid applied to part of the body for cleansing or medicinal purposes: the mixture may be used as an antiseptic douche or as a gargle
  • a device for washing out the vagina as a contraceptive measure.

verb

[with object]
  • spray or shower with water: she did not douche herself and the smell, at times, was off-putting
  • [no object] use a douche as a method of contraception.

Origin:

mid 18th century (as a noun): via French from Italian doccia 'conduit pipe', from docciare 'pour by drops', based on Latin ductus 'leading' (see duct)