a toilet that is cleaned of waste by the flow of water through it

a luxury, it wasn't all that long ago that the majority of Americans had to put on shoes and a coat to visit the toilet

A flush toilet or water closet (WC) is a toilet that disposes of the waste matter by using water to send them through a drainpipe to another location. Modern toilets incorporate an 'S' bend; this 'trap' creates a water seal which remains filled with water between flushing, thus providing a hygienic barrier by preventing sewer gases from passing up the drainpipe. During flushing the 'S' bend also provides siphon action which helps accelerate the flushing process.