lubrication
/ˌluːbrɪˈkeɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌluːbrɪˈkeɪʃn/ (ame, ipa)
lubrication — 名詞
1. the process of applying oil, grease, or another slippery substance to the moving
潤滑
在機械零件上加潤滑油的過程
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.
技師在車輪軸承上加了新的黃油，這是定期潤滑工作的一部分。
collocation: regular lubrication routine
Without proper lubrication, the bicycle chain will make a grinding noise and wear out quickly.
如果沒有適當的潤滑，腳踏車鏈條會發出摩擦噪音，而且磨損得很快。
Oil provides enough lubrication for a sewing machine needle to glide through thick fabric.
機油能提供足夠的潤滑，讓縫紉機的針順利穿過厚重的布料。
The car owner's manual recommends lubrication of the door hinges every six months.
車主手冊建議每六個月對車門鉸鏈進行一次潤滑。
The assembly line stops once a week for cleaning and lubrication of all moving parts.
組裝線每週停機一次，對所有活動零件進行清潔和潤滑。
- 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
潤滑劑
減少機械摩擦的油或脂等物質
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.
請拿點潤滑劑來處理這吱吱響的鉸鏈，那扇門沒辦法安靜地打開。
Silicone-based lubrication works better on plastic gears than petroleum-based products do.
以矽為基底的潤滑劑在塑膠齒輪上的效果比石油基產品更好。
compound modifier: silicone-based
The old water pump failed because lubrication inside had dried into thick black sludge.
那台老舊的水泵故障了，因為內部的潤滑劑已經乾成黏稠的黑色泥狀物。
Graphite powder works as a dry lubrication for locks where regular oil would attract dust.
石墨粉可作為鎖頭的乾式潤滑劑，因為普通油會吸附灰塵。
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
疏通；緩和
讓程序或關係順利進行的因素
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.
一位有經驗的主管能發揮社交上的疏通作用，讓團隊和諧共事、減少衝突。
collocation: social lubrication
The new approval software acted as a helpful lubrication for the slow document review process.
這套新的審批軟體對緩慢的文件審查流程起到了疏通作用。
Small acts of kindness between colleagues serve as a quiet lubrication for tense office interactions.
同事之間的小小善意舉動，能像潤滑劑一樣緩和緊張的辦公室互動。
A cut in interest rates can act as economic lubrication, letting banks lend more freely.
調降利率可以發揮經濟緩和作用，讓銀行更自由地放貸。
- 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
喝酒助興
喝酒讓人放鬆並自在交談
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.
喝了點酒助興之後，婚禮上那位害羞的賓客開始講起有趣的故事，逗得大家哈哈大笑。
informal register: 'after some lubrication'
The business negotiations went more smoothly after the two representatives shared liquid lubrication over dinner.
兩位代表在晚餐時喝酒助興，之後商業談判進行得順利多了。
The new team members needed some lubrication before they felt comfortable sharing their honest opinions.
新來的團隊成員需要喝點酒助興之後，才敢自在地說出自己真正的想法。
Aunt Rosa joked that the family dinner needed liquid lubrication to get through the evening.
Rosa 阿姨開玩笑說，家庭聚餐需要喝點酒助興，才能平安度過那一晚。
- 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.