Lubricant

<p>A lubricant (sometimes shortened to lube) is a substance that helps to reduce <a href="/facts/Friction/d0108Rpu">friction</a> between surfaces in mutual contact, which ultimately reduces the heat generated when the surfaces move. It may also have the function of transmitting forces, transporting foreign particles, or heating or cooling the surfaces. The property of reducing friction is known as <a href="/facts/Lubricity/byQq457D">lubricity</a>.
</p><p>In addition to industrial applications, lubricants are used for many other purposes. Other uses include cooking (<a href="/facts/Oil/GP0Jk7YL">oils</a> and <a href="/facts/Fat/87HcP11s">fats</a> in use in <a href="/facts/Frying_pan/UFrL3V7G">frying pans</a> and baking to prevent food sticking), to reduce rusting and friction in <a href="/facts/Machinery/wTCxFRfs">machinery</a>, through the use of <a href="/facts/Motor_oil/l5Jejspn">motor oil</a> and <a href="/facts/Grease_(lubricant)/SoG6pwuV">grease</a>, bioapplications on humans (e.g., lubricants for <a href="/facts/Replacement_joint/y7cApCCh">artificial joints</a>), ultrasound examination, medical examination, and sexual intercourse. It is mainly used to reduce friction and to contribute to a better, more efficient functioning of a mechanism.
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Lubricant open-in-new

Lubricant