lubrication

American  

[loo-bri-key-shuhn] / ˌlu brɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• overlubrication
  noun
• relubrication
  noun
• self-lubrication
  noun

Etymology

Origin of lubrication

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

Explanation

When you grease the surface of something to make it move more smoothly and work better, you use lubrication. A bolt that's rusted in place might need some lubrication before being turned with a wrench. Friction can keep motors from running, screws from budging, and bicycle wheels from turning properly — lubrication is a technique you can use to reduce friction. Lubrication involves the use of a lubricant, a slippery or greasy substance that eases the resistance of the two surfaces. The Latin root of lubrication is lubricus, or "slippery."

Example Sentences

Lasting Lubrication: Teach children to lube their quad's chain periodically.

From Time Magazine Archive

Lubrication of the steel is insured by keeping the hemp packing moistened with oil.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 598, June 18, 1887 by Various

Lubrication seems to have been a rather constant problem, particularly in the early years.

From The Wright Brothers' Engines and Their Design by Hobbs, Leonard S.

Lubrication is the main factor which determines piston speed, and the higher the rate of piston travel the greater care must be taken to insure proper oiling.

From Aviation Engines Design?Construction?Operation and Repair by Pag?, Victor Wilfred

Lubrication is faulty when the quantity of lubricant supplied is either insufficient or too abundant, or when the oils employed are of bad quality.

From Gas-Engines and Producer-Gas Plants A Practice Treatise Setting Forth the Principles of Gas-Engines and Producer Design, the Selection and Installation of an Engine, Conditions of Perfect Operation, Producer-Gas Engines and Their Possibilities, the Care of Gas-Engines and Producer-Gas Plants, with a Chapter on Volatile Hydrocarbon and Oil Engines by Mathot, R. E.