lubricant
noun
lu·bri·cant
ˈlü-bri-kənt 
1
: a substance (such as grease) capable of reducing friction, heat, and wear when introduced as a film between solid surfaces
2
: something that lessens or prevents friction or difficulty
a social lubricant
lubricant
adjective
Examples of lubricant in a Sentence
The car's axles need more lubricant.
using humor as a social lubricant
Recent Examples on the Web
Clean Oil Stains Biodegradable cat litter can absorb oil, lubricants, chemicals, or other spills common in garages or driveways.
—
Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Apr. 2025
Whalers also brought spermaceti, a waxy substance that comes from a sperm whale’s head and is used to produce candles and lubricants for precision machinery like watches and clocks.
—Austin Choi-Fitzpatrick, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025
And Team Penske Shell’s technical alliance with Team Penske provides the opportunity to advance technology in both lubricants and fuels.
—Bruce Martin, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Main operational costs include manning, insurance, stores & spares, lubricants, repairs & maintenance and dry docking, and management & administration.
—Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lubricant
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Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Apr. 2025
Whalers also brought spermaceti, a waxy substance that comes from a sperm whale’s head and is used to produce candles and lubricants for precision machinery like watches and clocks.
—Austin Choi-Fitzpatrick, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025
And Team Penske Shell’s technical alliance with Team Penske provides the opportunity to advance technology in both lubricants and fuels.
—Bruce Martin, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Main operational costs include manning, insurance, stores & spares, lubricants, repairs & maintenance and dry docking, and management & administration.
—Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lubricant
Cite this Entry
“Lubricant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lubricant. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
lubricant
noun
lu·bri·cant
ˈlü-bri-kənt
: something (as a grease or oil) capable of reducing friction when applied between moving parts
lubricant
adjective
Medical Definition
lubricant
1 of 2 adjective
lu·bri·cant
ˈlü-bri-kənt
: serving to lubricate a surface or part
lubricant
2 of 2 noun
: a substance that serves to lubricate a surface or part
normally, the intestinal passage requires no artificial lubricant—E. B. Steen & Ashley Montagu
E. B. Steen & Ashley MontaguLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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