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

It also is widely utilized as a container lubricant for corrosive materials and even medical equipment like catheters. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 22 Oct. 2025

That includes drugs such as cocaine and opioids, but also alcohol, which has waned in recent years as the standard social lubricant for young people. —John Wenzel, Denver Post, 15 Oct. 2025

Take over-the-counter medicines like fiber supplements, stool softeners, lubricants, stimulants, or osmotic agents. —Korin Miller, SELF, 14 Oct. 2025

One such product to combat this loss of moisture is this Stripes Beauty vaginal lubricant. —Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

lubric(ate) + -ant entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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