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

First author Yunfei Teng notes that the team's "hydration lubrication" strategy may have applications beyond osmotic energy systems.

From Science Daily • Mar. 9, 2026

And yet now whales that were once hunted for their oil are falling victim to the effects of the petroleum or “rock oil” that replaced their melted blubber as a source of light and lubrication.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2026

Rich Walker, director of Shadow Robot, said creating a humanlike hand carries many difficulties, particularly when it comes to matching features such as skin that can repair itself and joints that provide their own lubrication.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 25, 2025

But that inward gaze is less of a consideration than lubrication on the mechanics of getting Carol from Point A, i.e.

From Salon • Sep. 29, 2024

There was a smell of lubrication and lathed brass.

From "The Martian Chronicles" by Ray Bradbury