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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
The Phillips 66 lubricant terminal processes and stores oil products and ethanol and sits seven miles north of the company’s Carson oil refinery.
—
Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025
Advanced lubricants: Shell has developed specialized lubricants tailored for the higher temperatures generated by natural gas engines.
—
Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 13 Jan. 2025
Reviewers with sensitive skin also appreciate that Lola’s lubricant doesn’t burn or sting.
—
Sarah Felbin, SELF, 6 Jan. 2025
If the cause is vaginal atrophy, sometimes a vaginal lubricant can significantly improve the irritation and inflammation that contributes to postmenopausal bleeding.
—
Jess Sims, Health, 26 Dec. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
First Known Use
circa 1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near lubricant
Cite this Entry
“Lubricant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lubricant. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on lubricant
Nglish: Translation of lubricant for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of lubricant for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lubricant
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