lubrication
/ˌluːbrɪˈkeɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌluːbrɪˈkeɪʃn/ (ame, ipa)
lubrication — noun
1. the process of applying oil, grease, or another slippery substance to the moving
the process of applying oil, grease, or another slippery substance to the moving components of a machine so that they slide against each other with less friction.
The mechanic added fresh grease to the wheel bearings during the regular lubrication routine.
collocation: regular lubrication routine
Without proper lubrication, the bicycle chain will make a grinding noise and wear out quickly.
Oil provides enough lubrication for a sewing machine needle to glide through thick fabric.
The car owner's manual recommends lubrication of the door hinges every six months.
The assembly line stops once a week for cleaning and lubrication of all moving parts.
- friction
the physical resistance that lubrication is intended to reduce
用法筆記
This sense is an uncountable noun describing the action or process. The related verb is 'lubricate'. Distinguish from sense 2, where 'lubrication' refers to the substance itself rather than the act of applying it.
常見錯誤
2. any slippery material — for example, oil, grease, or a synthetic fluid — that is
any slippery material — for example, oil, grease, or a synthetic fluid — that is applied to mechanical components so that they slide against each other with less resistance.
Please bring some lubrication for the squeaky hinge. The door will not open quietly.
Silicone-based lubrication works better on plastic gears than petroleum-based products do.
compound modifier: silicone-based
The old water pump failed because lubrication inside had dried into thick black sludge.
Graphite powder works as a dry lubrication for locks where regular oil would attract dust.
用法筆記
In this sense 'lubrication' is effectively interchangeable with 'lubricant', though 'lubricant' is the more common word for referring to the substance. The countable form ('a lubrication') is rare but possible when referring to a specific type or brand.
3. something that helps a process, system, or relationship continue in a smooth way
something that helps a process, system, or relationship continue in a smooth way without unnecessary delays, arguments, or conflicts.
A skilled manager provides the social lubrication that keeps a team working together without conflict.
collocation: social lubrication
The new approval software acted as a helpful lubrication for the slow document review process.
Small acts of kindness between colleagues serve as a quiet lubrication for tense office interactions.
A cut in interest rates can act as economic lubrication, letting banks lend more freely.
- smoothing
less formal; emphasises the removal of difficulties from a process
- facilitation
more formal; refers to making an activity or process easier
- friction
in the figurative sense, the tension or conflict that lubrication helps reduce
用法筆記
This is a figurative or metaphorical use of the mechanical sense. It is common in business and political commentary but less common in everyday conversation.
4. the activity of drinking alcohol, especially in a social setting where it helps
the activity of drinking alcohol, especially in a social setting where it helps a person stop feeling shy and start talking more openly and freely.
After some lubrication, the shy wedding guest began telling funny stories that made everyone laugh.
informal register: 'after some lubrication'
The business negotiations went more smoothly after the two representatives shared liquid lubrication over dinner.
The new team members needed some lubrication before they felt comfortable sharing their honest opinions.
Aunt Rosa joked that the family dinner needed liquid lubrication to get through the evening.
- a drink
more direct and neutral; less humorous than 'lubrication'
- Dutch courage
British informal; specifically refers to confidence gained from drinking alcohol
用法筆記
This sense is informal and often used humorously. It typically appears in phrases such as 'a bit of lubrication' or 'liquid lubrication' as a lighthearted way to refer to alcohol.