lubricate
LOO-bruh-kayt
/ˈluː.brə.keɪt/
To apply a substance such as oil or grease to engine components or moving parts in order to minimize friction and wear.
Focuses on reducing friction between moving solid surfaces.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'lubricare' (to make slippery), rooted in 'lubricus' (slippery). The term entered English in the 17th century to describe making surfaces slick, and became fundamental to mechanical engineering during the Industrial Revolution.
Word relationships
- grease: 'Grease' implies applying heavy semi-solid lubricant, whereas 'lubricate' covers applying any oil, liquid, or lubricant.
- abrade: To wear away or create friction by rubbing harsh surfaces together.
Commonly confused with
- oil: 'Oil' can be a noun or verb specifically referring to motor oil, whereas 'lubricate' is a broader verb action using any friction reducer.
Word family
- lubricant (noun): a substance used to minimize friction
- lubrication (noun): the action of applying lubricant
Collocations
- lubricate parts
- thoroughly lubricate
- lubricate bearings
- lubricate hinges
Example sentences
- "Mechanics lubricate suspension joints during grease jobs to prevent squeaking and premature friction wear." Routine car servicing
- "Engine oil flows through microscopic galleries to lubricate pistons as they move thousands of times per minute." Engine operation explanation
Memory hook
LUBRICate makes parts slick like LUBR-ic (slippery) ice. Make slick to cut friction.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'hydrate', which applies specifically to adding water to tissues or organisms.
Fun facts
- Synthetic motor lubricants developed during WWII could maintain fluid properties at extreme arctic temperatures where natural petroleum oil froze solid.
Related words
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