ENGLISH
REFERENCE

lubricant

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɫubɹəkənt// UK //lˈuːbɹɪkənt// lu·bri·cant

n. a substance like oil or grease that you put on surfaces to help them move smoothly against each other. It stops parts from rubbing together and getting too hot or damaged.

n. a substance, such as oil or grease, applied to surfaces to reduce friction and wear between moving parts. Often used metaphorically to describe something that eases social or political interactions.


SIMPLE

The mechanic applied a lubricant to the squeaky door hinge.

CONTEXTUAL

Industrial machines require a high-quality lubricant to prevent the metal components from overheating during continuous operation.

COMPLEX

While the primary function of the fluid is to act as a lubricant, it also serves as a coolant by carrying heat away from the engine's internal combustion chamber.

Synonyms
Origin

From lubricate + -ant.

Usage

Countable when referring to specific types or brands of the substance; uncountable when referring to the substance in general.

Idioms1 entry

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