Definition of lubricant
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
adjectiveExplore Merriam-Webster
Examples of lubricant in a Sentence
The car's axles need more lubricant.
using humor as a social lubricant
Recent Examples of lubricant from the Web
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The probable carcinogen, used as coolants and lubricants in electrical equipment, was banned in 1977.
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The company is trying to become one of the world’s biggest makers of flame retardants and lubricant additives.
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The Elgin facility, along the 1500 block of Villa Street, operates as a collection and distribution facility for oil and lubricants and also holds some company offices.
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Streaty had condoms, lubricant and a cellphone at the time of his arrest, according to court documents.
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Consequently, researchers expect buckytubes to find practical use in fuel cells, aircraft, inks, paints, durable coatings, abrasives, lubricants, glass, cables, circuits, circuit boards, and an increasing range of ever more diverse uses.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lubricant'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of lubricant
circa 1828
LUBRICANT Defined for English Language Learners
lubricant
playDefinition of lubricant for English Language Learners
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: a substance (such as grease or oil) that causes something (such as a machine part) to be slippery and to move more smoothly
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: something that makes it easier for people to work or talk with each other
LUBRICANT Defined for Kids
lubricant
playDefinition of lubricant for Students
: something (as oil or grease) that makes a surface smooth or slippery
Medical Dictionary
lubricant
Medical Definition of lubricant
: a substance that serves to lubricate a surface or part normally, the intestinal passage requires no artificial lubricant—E. B. Steen & Ashley Montagu
Learn More about lubricant
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Spanish Central: Translation of lubricant Nglish: Translation of lubricant for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of lubricant for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lubricant
Seen and Heard
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