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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
See all Example Sentences for lubricant
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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 2 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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