I. ˈlübrəkənt adjective
Etymology: Latin lubricant-, lubricans, present participle of lubricare to lubricate, from lubricus slippery — more at sleeve
: serving to lubricate
II. noun
( -s )
1. : a substance capable of reducing friction, heat, and wear when introduced as a film between solid surfaces (as oil or grease for metal bearings, graphite for sprocket chains, soap or paraffin for wood surfaces, cutting compound for lathe tools) ; especially : such a substance interposed between moving parts of machinery — compare cutting fluid
2. : an emulsion, oil, or dressing applied to fibers and yarns to make processing easier and less damaging
3. : something that lessens or prevents friction or difficulty
a man who believed in the smile as a social lubricant — Margery Allingham
a kind of literary lubricant , that will ease the reading along — Dudley Fitts