it's not a good idea to use olive oil to lubricate the gears in an appliance
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
This lubricates the stone and makes sharpening easier and more effective.—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 Nov. 2024 From a materials standpoint, hagfish slime is fascinating stuff that might one day prove useful for biomedical devices, or weaving light-but-strong fabrics for natural Lycra or bulletproof vests, or lubricating industrial drills that tend to clog in deep soil and sediment.—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 20 June 2024 When applied topically, glycerin lubricates the outer layer of your skin (epidermis) to keep water in and avoid dryness.—Carley Millhone, Health, 8 Oct. 2024 Employees got too lubricated and started up a John Deere riding mower sent in honor of Sterling Cooper landing the company’s account.—Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lubricate
Word History
Etymology
borrowed from Latin lūbricātus, past participle of lūbricāre "to make slippery," derivative of lūbricus "slippery, hard to hold, liable to lead to false steps, hazardous" — more at sleeve
Share