lubrication

American  

[loo-bri-kay-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.

---

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

See Examples For:

lubrication

Powertrain Naturally aspirated liquid-cooled 90-degree V4 engine, 1,158-cc displacement, counter-rotating crankshaft, semi dry sump lubrication; six-speed manual transmission with straight-cut gears and multi-plate clutch, with slipper action on overrun; chain drive.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 29, 2026

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

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

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 ● Jan. 8, 2024

There was a smell of lubrication and lathed brass.

From "The Martian Chronicles" by Ray Bradbury

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---