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

Another big plus is the lube's pump-top container that doesn’t require any fumbling (no matter how slippery your hands might get) and dispenses just the right amount of lubricant without the mess of a squeeze bottle. —Malia Griggs, Glamour, 14 Mar. 2025

A lot of lubricants on the market just aim to get the job done. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2025

Today's engines are designed with much tighter tolerances and use lubricants that flow (in most cases) like water, per Shelton. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2025

With previous models of the Starship, Shell has improved and tested lubricants made for diesel engines and drivetrains. —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