lubrication

[ loo-bri-key-shuhn ]

noun

1. the application of a lubricant to diminish friction:

   Without adequate lubrication, the machinery becomes inefficient, even dangerous.

2. the act of smoothing over a difficulty:

   Let’s avoid further trouble with a little diplomatic lubrication.

3. Slang. the provision or consumption of intoxicating drinks:

   The groom-to-be seems to have availed himself of a bit too much lubrication.

Other Words From

• o·ver·lu·bri·ca·tion noun
• re·lu·bri·ca·tion noun
• self-lu·bri·ca·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of lubrication¹

First recorded in 1800–10; lubric(ate) ( def ) + -ation ( def )

Example Sentences

We worked on every part of the system to reduce energy consumption and losses through system design, material selection, lubrication and heat management.

From Popular-Science

The rod and piston in an air compressor need lubrication to keep from overheating.

From Popular-Science

Some compressors use oil that must be properly maintained, while oilless compressors use a slick material coating to provide permanent lubrication.

From Popular-Science

Zerk fittings facilitate easy lubrication of those bushings.

From Outside Online

Two bottles of stout supplied the necessary lubrication, and there was frequent recourse to a box of licorice pastilles.

From The Daily Beast

He likes to sweeten the negotiations with a little food, drink, and social lubrication, no matter the circumstances.

From The Daily Beast

The only oil which is used to any extent in gas-engine lubrication that is not of mineral derivation is castor oil.

From Project Gutenberg

The oils used for cylinder lubrication are obtained almost exclusively from crude petroleum derived from American wells.

From Project Gutenberg

With this arrangement positive lubrication is entirely independent of engine position.

From Project Gutenberg

The brake is watched carefully, lest irregularity of lubrication should cause oscillation of speed with the changing resistance.

From Project Gutenberg

But this is only a small portion of the difficulties that must be overcome in cylinder lubrication.

From Project Gutenberg