lubricator

lubricator — noun

1. a worker whose job is to apply oil or grease to the moving parts of machines in

1.名詞C2
釋義

a worker whose job is to apply oil or grease to the moving parts of machines in order to keep them operating smoothly and to prevent damage from friction

例句

The factory hired an extra lubricator to grease the conveyor belts before the night shift.

countable noun for a job role

Every morning the lubricator walked through the engine room with a long-spout oil can.

同義詞
  • oiler

    a more informal, older term often used in railway and factory contexts

  • greaser

    emphasises the use of heavy grease rather than oil; more common in US English

文法句型

lubricator + verb (singular / plural)

用法筆記

Historically common in factories and railways; today the role is often part of a maintenance technician's duties rather than a standalone job title.

常見錯誤

❌The lubricator is a sticky liquid we put on the chain.
✅The lubricator is the person who greases the machines.
💡A lubricator is a person or a device, not a substance; the substance itself is a lubricant.

2. a substance — usually oil, grease, or a synthetic fluid — that is placed between

2.名詞C1
釋義

a substance — usually oil, grease, or a synthetic fluid — that is placed between two moving surfaces to reduce friction, heat, and wear

例句

The mechanic chose a high-temperature lubricator for the oven conveyor system.

countable: a type/grade of lubricant

Too little lubricator on the chains caused them to overheat and stretch.

uncountable: lubricator as a mass substance

同義詞
  • lubricant

    the standard modern word for a friction-reducing substance; much more common than 'lubricator'

  • oil

    the most common type of lubricant; narrower in meaning

  • grease

    a semi-solid lubricant, thicker than oil

反義詞
  • abrasive

    a substance that wears surfaces down rather than protecting them

文法句型

lubricator + verb (used as substance noun)

用法筆記

In technical writing, 'lubricator' as a substance is far less common than 'lubricant' — it appears mostly in older manuals and specialised product catalogues.

常見錯誤

❌I put some lubricator on the squeaky door.
✅I put some lubricant on the squeaky door.
💡For everyday situations, 'lubricant' is the natural word; 'lubricator' referring to a substance sounds dated or technical.

3. a tool, can, or mechanical fitting designed to deliver a measured amount of oil

3.名詞C2
釋義

a tool, can, or mechanical fitting designed to deliver a measured amount of oil or grease to a specific point on a machine

例句

The mechanic attached a drip-feed lubricator to the lathe so the cutting tool stayed oiled automatically.

drip-feed lubricator — common compound noun

The pneumatic lubricator injects a fine mist of oil into the air line every cycle.

同義詞
  • oiler

    a simpler word for a hand-held oil can or a device that applies oil

  • grease gun

    a specific type of lubricator that forces grease into fittings under pressure

  • lubrication system

    a broader term that may include pipes, pumps, filters, and controllers

文法句型

lubricator + verb (device)