it's not a good idea to use olive oil to lubricate the gears in an appliance
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This is due to a degradation of cartilage (the squishy material that protects the ends of the bones) and a reduction in synovial fluid – which lubricates the joints.—Matt Parrott, Arkansas Online, 20 Apr. 2025 Anchoring the space and lubricating it well is a new taproom from Alameda’s Almanac Beer Co.—Jason Mastrodonato, The Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2025 After washing the bike, run it through a rag to wipe off dirt and water, then lubricate it with mountain-bike-specific chain lube.—Seb Stott, Outside Online, 27 Jan. 2025 This is cooking that feeds the soul and lubricates the joints, and makes a nice long train nap sound good indeed.—Amiel Stanek, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lubricate
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
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