lubricant
UK: ˈluːbrɪkənt | US: ˈluːbrɪkənt
n. a substance (such as grease or oil) used to reduce friction between surfaces in contact
vt. to apply a lubricant to something
lubricant = lubric<make slippery> + ant<noun suffix>
- lubric (from Latin lubricus, meaning "slippery")
- ant (a suffix forming nouns, often indicating an agent or substance)
Etymology Origin:
The word "lubricant" traces back to the Latin lubricus, meaning "slippery" or "smooth." The suffix -ant was added in English to denote a substance that performs the action of making surfaces slippery. The concept evolved from physical slipperiness to its modern mechanical application, where lubricants reduce friction in machinery.
The mechanic applied a lubricant to the engine parts to prevent wear.
Silicone spray is a common lubricant for door hinges.
Without proper lubricant, the gears will grind and overheat.
This high-performance lubricant is designed for extreme temperatures.
The factory uses biodegradable lubricants to minimize environmental impact.