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 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 

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 2 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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