Lubricate

Lubricate

Verb · /ˈluː.brɪ.keɪt/

Definition

To apply a lubricant to a machine or moving part to reduce friction; to make something run more smoothly; figuratively, to facilitate or ease a process, especially a social or political one.

Origin

From Latin lubricatus, past participle of lubricare (to make slippery), from lubricus (slippery, smooth). The Latin root also gives lubricious (slippery, lewd) and the related lubricant. The word entered English in the 17th century in both mechanical and figurative senses.