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 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

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