lubricant

noun

lu·​bri·​cant ˈlü-bri-kənt How to pronounce lubricant (audio)
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 The maker of metal lubricants beat Wall Street’s estimates on the top and bottom lines, posting earnings of $1.46 per share and $155 million in revenue. Samantha Subin, CNBC, 11 July 2024 Red, dungeon-esque doors reveal, in contrast, bright and airy rooms, but, in keeping with the theme, risqué touches like suggestive artwork, tubes of lubricant on the bathroom counters, and leather riding crops in the closet. Vogue, 8 July 2024 An over-the-counter lubricant can help ease this discomfort. Renee Plant, Parents, 8 July 2024 The lubricants in fabric softeners can leave behind a film that impacts the safety and effectiveness of certain materials, such as flame-resistant clothing, microfiber towels, and athletic wear. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for lubricant 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lubricant.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lubricant was circa 1828

Dictionary Entries Near lubricant

Cite this Entry

“Lubricant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lubricant. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

lubricant

noun
lu·​bri·​cant ˈlü-bri-kənt How to pronounce lubricant (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce lubricant (audio)
: 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 lubricantE. B. Steen & Ashley Montagu

More from Merriam-Webster on lubricant

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