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. )

Example Sentences

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

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

They’re ideally done throughout the day, so as to promote mobility and circulation, bringing blood flow and nutrients to the muscles and tendons, and increasing lubrication in the joints.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Salon

The mucus primarily used for lubrication has more collagen, making it stiffer; the mucus used for adhesion has more calcium, making it stickier.

From National Geographic