Lubricate Meaning and Definition
Lubricate
Pronunciation
/ˈlʌbrɪkeɪt/
Part of Speech
Verb
Definition
To apply a lubricant to a surface or mechanism to reduce friction and wear, or to make something smoother or more coherent.
Examples
- The mechanic lubricated the car’s engine to prevent overheating.
- The athlete used lubricant on her joints to reduce friction.
Synonyms
- Oil
- Grease
- Silicone
Antonyms
- Dry
- Rough
- Sand
Etymology
The word “Lubricate” originated from the Latin words “lubes,” meaning “to make slippery,” and “hicere,” meaning “to apply.” It entered the English language in the 15th century.
Usage Notes
Lubricate is often used in technical contexts, such as engineering and mechanics, but it can also be used in everyday language to describe the application of lotion or oil to the skin.
Cultural References
Lubricate has been referenced in popular culture, such as in the song “Lubricate” by the band The Mars Volta.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Some common idiomatic expressions using the word “Lubricate” include “give someone the lubricate” (to help or assist someone) and “lubricate the situation” (to ease tension or make things more pleasant).
Related Words or Phrases
Words and phrases closely related to “Lubricate” include “lubricant,” “grease,” “oil,” and “silicone.”
Collocations
Some common collocations with “Lubricate” include “lubricate the engine,” “lubricate the joints,” and “lubricate the skin.”
Frequency of Use
Lubricate is a relatively common word in modern language, with an estimated frequency of 0.12 per million words in the Corpus of Contemporary American English.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of “Lubricate” include “Lubricite,” “Lubricit,” and “Lubricte.”