drilling fluid

noun

variants or drilling mud
: a mixture of clay and other chemicals with oil or water that is circulated around the drill bit in oil-well drilling in order to lubricate and cool the bit, flush rock cuttings to the surface, and plaster the side of the well to prevent cave-ins

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of drilling fluid was in 1913

Dictionary Entries Near drilling fluid

Cite this Entry

“Drilling fluid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drilling%20fluid. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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