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

While raiding Combs' Los Angeles and Miami homes in March, prosecutors found supplies including drugs and over 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant. —Shania Russell, EW.com, 10 Dec. 2024

Colli is also looking at parallel products but ultimately wants to own the lubricant market. —Emily Burns, WWD, 18 Nov. 2024

Reduce friction: Use a lubricant or barrier cream, such as Vaseline, to reduce friction between the thighs, especially during physical activity. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 27 Nov. 2024

Gasoline, diesel and aviation fuel propel us forward, while lubricants derived from petroleum help ease machinery friction and wear. —Sahit Muja, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024

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