it's not a good idea to use olive oil to lubricate the gears in an appliance
Recent Examples on the WebFabric softener, also called fabric conditioner, is a laundry product containing lubricating ingredients designed to make clothes feel softer, reduce static cling, and add a fresh scent.—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2024 This time ensures lubricating oil gets to all of the engine's vital parts.—Coral Murphy Marcos, The Courier-Journal, 12 June 2024 Tune-ups usually include checking the electrical connections, lubricating fans, checking the coolant level and looking for leaks, and testing and cleaning the whole thing.—Laura Daniella Sepulveda, The Arizona Republic, 1 June 2024 Without water to lubricate tectonic activity, our plates will grind to a halt.—Paul Sutter, Ars Technica, 16 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lubricate
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lubricate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
borrowed from Latin lūbricātus, past participle of lūbricāre "to make slippery," derivative of lūbricus "slippery, hard to hold, liable to lead to false steps, hazardous" — more at sleeve
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