lubricant, a. and n.
(ˈl(j)uːbrɪkənt)
[f. L. lūbricant-em, pr. pple. of lūbricāre to lubricate, f. lūbric-us lubric.]
A. adj. Lubricating.
| 1822–34 Good's Study Med. (ed. 4) II. 214 This matter, instead of being mild and lubricant as in health, is now not only viscid, but acrimonious and corrosive. |
B. n. A material, usually an oil, used to lubricate machinery. Hence transf. a. A fluid which makes motion or action smooth or removes friction. b. (jocular) Any oily or greasy substance.
| 1828 Webster, Lubricant n., that which lubricates. 1856 Kane Arct. Explor. I. xv. 171 Grating it [potato] down nicely..and adding the utmost oil as a lubricant, it is as much as I can do to persuade the mess to shut their eyes and bolt it. a 1882 R. Christison Life (1885) I. 395 Paraffin-oil..had been found the best of all anti-friction lubricants. 1890 Spectator 2 Aug., Etiquette is a mere lubricant of the order of society. 1897 Allbutt's Syst. Med. III. 309 Most external secretions are concerned in digestion either as lubricants, such as saliva, or as digestants, such as saliva, gastric and pancreatic juice. |