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launderette

noun

No English definition recorded for this entry.

L323109 on Wikidata ↗

Wiktionary

Pronunciation: /lɔːnˈdɹɛt/ / /lɔndəˈɹɛt/

noun

Etymology: Genericized trademark of Launderette; originally a proprietary name (1940s) of Bendix corporation, from launder + -ette.

  1. A place that has facilities for washing and drying clothes that the public may pay to use.
  2. A money laundering operation.

    The distinction is by no means watertight as any 'money launderette' may become a money launderer – and hence be guilty of a money laundering offence – the moment it knowingly engages in a money laundering operation.

    From drug money to terrorist finance: the launderette's many different washing cycles