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.
The comedian also touched on the federal raid of Diddy’s homes in Miami and Los Angeles in March 2024, where agents reportedly seized more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant as evidence. Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 19 Jan. 2025 Your teams are the lubricant that keeps them moving. Lis Anderson, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025 The lubricant can be a massage oil, a balm, or a lotion like the GingerChi Lavender Ginger Body Oil with hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties to promote relaxation and alleviate muscle pain. Lisa Desantis, Glamour, 13 Jan. 2025 One reason some people may turn to alcohol is because it’s perceived as a social lubricant. Andrea Kane, CNN, 16 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near lubricant

Cite this Entry

“Lubricant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lubricant. Accessed 16 Feb. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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