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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Working in concert with progesterone and testosterone, estrogen influences nearly every cell, organ, and system in some way, acting as an anti-inflammatory, an antioxidant, a lubricant, a regenerator, and a regulator. Jolene Edgar, Allure, 11 Feb. 2025 Construction has finished on four tanks for housing petroleum, oil, and lubricants (POL), with what appears to be two bases for another two tanks already. Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025 Effective treatments are available, including vaginal lubricants, moisturizers, and hormonal options. Wendy Wisner, Health, 4 Feb. 2025 Case in point: The Walgreens at Dearborn and Division in the Gold Coast neighborhood keeps products such as lotions, body and face wash, lubricant (but not condoms), vibrators, baby formula, detergent and cleaning supplies in locked display cases. Carrie Shepherd, Axios, 30 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lubricant

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

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Cite this Entry

“Lubricant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lubricant. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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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