lubricant
Meaning of lubricant: A lubricant reduces friction between surfaces, and in medical use it eases insertion or movement of instruments, catheters, or tissue against tissue.
Definition of lubricant
A lubricant is a substance applied to reduce friction between two surfaces, allowing them to move against each other more easily. In medical use, lubricants are commonly applied to ease the insertion of instruments and devices, including catheters, endoscopes, and specula, or to allow tissues to move more comfortably against one another.
Medical lubricants are typically formulated to be compatible with the tissue or device involved, and some are also selected for a specific property, such as being water soluble so they do not interfere with certain diagnostic testing, or being free of substances that could irritate sensitive tissue. Lubricants used with certain devices, such as latex products, are chosen carefully, since an incompatible lubricant can weaken or damage some materials.
Outside of procedures, lubricants are also used for ongoing conditions involving dryness, such as artificial tears for the eyes or vaginal moisturizers, to reduce discomfort caused by friction.
Used in a sentence
A water-soluble lubricant was applied to the catheter before insertion.
Good to know
Not all lubricants are compatible with every device or material; an oil-based lubricant, for example, can weaken latex, which is why product labeling specifies compatible lubricant types.