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 servomotors use special low-temperature lubricant, and Navmar fitted EPDM weather seal gasketing to all access hatches, ports, and panels to prevent accumulating moisture and ice.
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Nontoxic bentonite clay is used as a lubricant to cool the drill bit and to transport bits of excavated rock back through the borehole to the surface.
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The probable carcinogen, used as coolants and lubricants in electrical equipment, was banned in 1977.
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An estimated 500 gallons of non-hazardous lubricant and 100 gallons of diesel fuel have spilled onto the roadway, MetroSafe says.
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Hypocrisy has always been a vital lubricant to making the gears turn in Washington.
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These scores are almost like a lubricant one way or the other.
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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.
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
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