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

And don’t forget to use some type of lubricant, urges Dr. Chiu. —Lisa Desantis, Glamour, 13 Jan. 2025

The truck uses Shell Rotella NG Plus SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil, formulated specifically for this purpose, alongside advanced transmission lubricants that improve overall performance. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 13 Jan. 2025

Industrial lubricants, for instance, are critical for a variety of functions including the manufacturing and transportation of heavy machinery. —Alina Polyakova, Foreign Affairs, 31 Dec. 2024

Derived from gasoline lubricants, Shell formulated the Starship’s options specifically for the engine. —New Atlas, 31 Dec. 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