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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
And don’t forget to use some type of lubricant, urges Dr. Chiu.
—
Lisa Desantis, Glamour, 13 Jan. 2025
The truck uses Shell Rotella NG Plus SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil, formulated specifically for this purpose, alongside advanced transmission lubricants that improve overall performance.
—
Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 13 Jan. 2025
Industrial lubricants, for instance, are critical for a variety of functions including the manufacturing and transportation of heavy machinery.
—
Alina Polyakova, Foreign Affairs, 31 Dec. 2024
Derived from gasoline lubricants, Shell formulated the Starship’s options specifically for the engine.
—
New Atlas, 31 Dec. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
First Known Use
circa 1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near lubricant
Cite this Entry
“Lubricant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lubricant. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.
Kids 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
More from Merriam-Webster on lubricant
Nglish: Translation of lubricant for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of lubricant for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lubricant
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