Word
lubricant
Phoneticslu·bri·cant, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫubɹəkənt/
UK/lˈuːbɹɪkənt/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
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.
Examples
“The mechanic applied a lubricant to the squeaky door hinge.”
“Industrial machines require a high-quality lubricant to prevent the metal components from overheating during continuous operation.”
“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.”
Examples
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.”
Usage
Countable when referring to specific types or brands of the substance; uncountable when referring to the substance in general.
Real-World Examples
“Where it stays liquid, it acts as a lubricant along the surfaces where rock and ice meet.” “Clear Eyes Maximum Itchy Eye Relief is marketed on its packaging as an astringent/lubricant redness-reliever eye drop intended to provide relief from redness, itching, burning and watery eyes.” Etymology
From lubricate + -ant.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Idioms
01. social lubricant
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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