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 Subsequent investigations have revealed further concerning safety measures, such as using Dawn dish soap as lubricant. Elizabeth Blackstock / Jalopnik, Quartz, 14 Mar. 2024 At one point, the agency observed a Spirit mechanic apply liquid soap to a door seal as a lubricant. Diane Brady, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2024 Sperm-friendly fertility lubricant may be just the thing while trying to conceive. Nicole Harris, Parents, 2 Mar. 2024 The recalled products include two from Walmart’s generic brand Equate, a CVS Health eye product and an AACE Pharmaceuticals eye lubricant. Arianna Johnson, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 The space was too small for large tools; a lubricant for the screws could have contaminated the samples. Daniel Wu, Washington Post, 31 Jan. 2024 Some clinics have resorted to stashing lubricants out of sight or using euphemisms to refer to them. Apoorva Mandavilli Esther Ruth Mbabazi, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2024 The white stuff on the spring and edge of the bottom housing's socket dome are Cherry's lubricant. Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 25 Aug. 2023 They’re found in ski wax, cosmetics, bike chain lubricant, and cookware. Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 29 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lubricant.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 28 Mar. 2024.

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

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