The terms "bathroom sink" and "basin" are often used interchangeably, but their meanings can vary slightly depending on context, region, and technical definitions. Here’s a breakdown of the differences:
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### **1. Technical Definitions**
- **Basin**:
Refers specifically to the **bowl-shaped part** that holds water. It’s the actual container where you wash your hands, brush your teeth, etc.
- Example: "The basin cracked, so we need to replace it."
- **Sink**:
Refers to the **entire fixture**, including the basin, faucet, drain, pipes, and mounting hardware.
- Example: "The sink is leaking because the pipes are old."
In plumbing terms:
**Basin = bowl** | **Sink = basin + plumbing components**.
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### **2. Regional Usage**
- **British English**:
"Basin" is commonly used to describe the entire fixture (bowl + plumbing).
- Example: "I’m cleaning the bathroom basin."
- **American English**:
"Sink" is the default term for the entire fixture. "Basin" might refer to just the bowl or a standalone vessel (e.g., a decorative bowl without plumbing).
- Example: "The kitchen sink is clogged."
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### **3. Design Styles**
- **Basin as a Vessel**:
In modern design, a **vessel basin** is a standalone bowl (often made of glass, stone, or ceramic) that sits *on top* of a counter. It’s purely the bowl, requiring separate faucet and plumbing.
- Example: "We installed a marble vessel basin in the powder room."
- **Sink Types**:
- **Undermount sink**: Installed beneath the counter.
- **Drop-in sink**: Rim sits on the counter.
- **Pedestal sink**: A freestanding sink with a supporting column (common in small bathrooms).
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### **4. Functional Differences**
- **Sink**:
Implies a **plumbed fixture** connected to water supply and drainage.
- Example: "The bathroom sink has a built-in soap dispenser."
- **Basin**:
Can sometimes refer to a **non-plumbed container**, like a washbasin used for holding water (e.g., a freestanding bowl for washing hands in a bedroom).
- Example: "She filled the basin with warm water to wash her face."
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### **5. Key Takeaway**
- **Overlap**: In many cases, "sink" and "basin" mean the same thing, especially in casual conversation.
- **Nuance**:
- **Basin** = the bowl (technical) OR the entire fixture (British English).
- **Sink** = the entire plumbing fixture (American English).
- **Vessel basins** = decorative bowls, while "sinks" are integrated into countertops.
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### **When in Doubt**
- Use "sink" if you’re talking about the whole unit (bowl + plumbing).
- Use "basin" if you’re focusing on the bowl itself or speaking in British English.
- In design contexts, "vessel basin" always refers to the standalone bowl.
Eva