Advertisement
lubricate (v.)
1620s, "make slippery or smooth" (especially by the application of an oil), from Latin lubricatus, past participle of lubricare "to make slippery or smooth," from lubricus "slippery; easily moved, sliding, gliding;" figuratively "uncertain, hazardous, dangerous; seductive," from suffixed form of PIE root *sleubh- "to slip, slide." Related: Lubricated; lubricating. Earlier verb was lubrify (early 15c.), from Medieval Latin lubrificare.
updated on February 02, 2018
Advertisement
Advertisement
Dictionary entries near lubricate
lubberly
lube
Lubish
lubric
lubricant
lubricate
lubrication
lubricity
lubricous
lubritorium
Lucca
