lubricant

UK: /ˈluːbrɪkənt/ US: /ˈlubrɪkənt/ ,(lo̅o̅′bri kənt)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

lu•bri•cant /ˈlubrɪkənt/   n. 

1. Chemistry a substance, as oil or grease, for lessening friction, esp. in the working parts of a mechanism:
   [countable] Lubricants loosened the jammed gears.
   [uncountable] A little lubricant loosened the gears.
2. something that increases ease of functioning:
   [countable] alcohol as a social lubricant.

adj. 

3. capable of or used in lubricating.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

lu•bri•cant  (lo̅o̅′bri kənt), n. 

1. a substance, as oil or grease, for lessening friction, esp. in the working parts of a mechanism.

adj. 

2. capable of lubricating;
   used to lubricate.

• Latin lūbricant- (stem of lūbricāns), present participle of lūbricāre to make slippery. See lubric, -ant
• 1815–25

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

lubricant / ˈluːbrɪkənt/ noun

1. a lubricating substance, such as oil

adjective

1. serving to lubricate

Etymology: 19th Century: from Latin lūbricāns, present participle of lūbricāre. See lubricate