lubricate

verb

lu·​bri·​cate ˈlü-brə-ˌkāt How to pronounce lubricate (audio)
lubricated; lubricating

transitive verb

1
: to make smooth or slippery
2
: to apply a lubricant to

intransitive verb

: to act as a lubricant
lubrication noun
lubricative adjective
lubricator noun

Examples of lubricate in a Sentence

it's not a good idea to use olive oil to lubricate the gears in an appliance
Recent Examples on the Web While these drops work well for lubricating dry eyes caused by allergies, they can also be used to moisturize gritty or blurry eyes, eye strain or fatigue, and excessive tearing. Sarah Bradley, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2023 Hyaluronic acid supplements: Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally found in the body that helps retain moisture and keep tissues well lubricated. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 12 July 2023 But don’t touch or lubricate bolts on the torsion springs. Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 30 June 2023 The reason for this is that oil-free air compressors are coated with chemicals that lubricate the machine on its own. Nor'adila Hepburn, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 June 2023 The set includes an everyday sharpening stone; Camellia oil, an excellent light oil to protect and lubricate garden tools; an oil dispenser for more straightforward application and Niwaki’s Crean Mate; a scouring stone that removes rust, sap and grime. Ebony Roberts, wsj.com, 17 Oct. 2023 This will enable it to lubricate the joints, promote the growth of connective tissue, reduce the production of c reactive protein, and provide relief from inflammation and degenerative autoimmune diseases, like arthritis. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 5 Oct. 2023 Their hands should be gloved and their finger should be lubricated for this exam. Adriana Gallardo, ProPublica, 15 Sep. 2023 It should be properly lubricated with the sauce, aioli, jam or spread of your choosing. Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2023 See More

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

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin lūbricātus, past participle of lūbricāre "to make slippery," derivative of lūbricus "slippery, hard to hold, liable to lead to false steps, hazardous" — more at sleeve

First Known Use

circa 1623, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lubricate was circa 1623

Dictionary Entries Near lubricate

Cite this Entry

“Lubricate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lubricate. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

lubricate

verb
lu·​bri·​cate ˈlü-brə-ˌkāt How to pronounce lubricate (audio)
lubricated; lubricating
1
: to make smooth or slippery
2
: to apply a lubricant to
lubricate a car
3
: to act as a lubricant
lubrication noun
lubricator noun

Medical Definition

lubricate

transitive verb
lu·​bri·​cate ˈlü-bri-ˌkāt How to pronounce lubricate (audio)
lubricated; lubricating
: to make smooth, slippery, or oily in motion, action, or appearance
lubricate the eye
lubricate the skin
lubrication noun

More from Merriam-Webster on lubricate

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