(~s, lubricating, ~d)
1.
If you ~ something such as a part of a machine, you put a substance such as oil on it so that it moves smoothly. (FORMAL)
Mineral oils are used to ~ machinery.
...lubricating oil.
VERB: V n, V-ing, also V
lubrication
Use a touch of linseed oil for lubrication.
N-UNCOUNT
2.
If you say that something ~s a particular situation, you mean that it helps things to happen without any problems.
Franklin’s task was to ~ the discussions with the French.
VERB: V n