- lubricant (n.)
- 1828, probably from lubricant (adj.), or from Latin lubricantem.
- lubricant (adj.)
- "reducing friction," 1809, from Latin lubricantem (nominative lubricans), present participle of lubricare "to make slippery or smooth," from lubricus "slippery; easily moved, sliding, gliding;" figuratively "uncertain, hazardous, dangerous; seductive," from PIE *sleubh- "to slip, slide" (see sleeve).