lubrication

[ loo-bri-key-shuhn ]
See synonyms for lubrication on Thesaurus.com
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.

  1. Slang. the provision or consumption of intoxicating drinks: The groom-to-be seems to have availed himself of a bit too much lubrication.

Origin of lubrication

1
First recorded in 1800–10; lubric(ate) + -ation

Other words from lubrication

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

Words Nearby lubrication

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use lubrication in a sentence

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

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

    Aviation Engines | Victor Wilfred Pag
  • The oils used for cylinder lubrication are obtained almost exclusively from crude petroleum derived from American wells.

    Aviation Engines | Victor Wilfred Pag
  • With this arrangement positive lubrication is entirely independent of engine position.

    Aviation Engines | Victor Wilfred Pag
  • The brake is watched carefully, lest irregularity of lubrication should cause oscillation of speed with the changing resistance.

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

    The Gasoline Motor | Harold Whiting Slauson