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

Although there were reports of fuel tanks being damaged and leaking at Champion Brands, a manufacturer of specialty lubricants, the fire department said those reports were inaccurate. —Kansas City Star, 19 Apr. 2026

The list of contraband includes petroleum, oil and lubricants that the Navy says are key to Iran's military operations and sustaining its war-time economy. —April 16, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026

Enthusiasm is the social lubricant that keeps the throughput counts high, the wait times low and the customer satisfaction rates soaring. —Robert Niles, Oc Register, 14 Apr. 2026

Petroleum derivatives are also needed to make adhesives for footwear and furniture, industrial lubricants for machinery and solvents for paints and cleaning processes, Martin added. —Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2026

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