lubricate: Meaning and Definition of

lu•bri•cate

Pronunciation: (l'bri-kāt"), [key]
— v., -cat•ed, -cat•ing.
—v.t.
  1. to apply some oily or greasy substance to (a machine, parts of a mechanism, etc.) in order to diminish friction; oil or grease (something).
  2. to make slippery or smooth; apply a lubricant to: to lubricate one's hands with a lotion.
  3. to smooth over, as a difficulty or human relationship; ease: to lubricate the friction between enemies.
  4. to provide with intoxicating drinks.
  5. to bribe.
—v.i.
  1. to act as a lubricant.
  2. to apply a lubricant to something.
  3. to drink or become drunk.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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