—n. (pl. -ies)
1 the condition or supposed place of spiritual cleansing, esp. (RC Ch.) of those dying in the grace of God but having to expiate venial sins etc.
2 a place or state of temporary suffering or expiation.
—adj. purifying.
Derivatives:
purgatorial adj.
Etymology: ME f. AF purgatorie, OF -oire f. med.L purgatorium, neut. of LL purgatorius (as PURGE)
Useful english dictionary. 2012.