First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1grease
noun \ˈgrēs\
: melted animal fat
: an oily substance
Full Definition of GREASE
1
a : rendered animal fat b : oily matter c : a thick lubricant
2
: wool as it comes from the sheep retaining the natural oils or fats
— grease·less \ˈgrēs-ləs\ adjective
— grease·proof \ˈgrēs-ˈprüf\ adjective
— in the grease
of wool or fur : in the natural uncleaned condition
See grease defined for English-language learners
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Origin of GREASE
Middle English grese, from Anglo-French gresse, greisse, creisse, from Vulgar Latin *crassia, from Latin crassus fat
2grease
verb \ˈgrēs, ˈgrēz\
: to put a thin layer of grease or oil on (something)
greasedgreas·ing
Full Definition of GREASE
transitive verb
1
: to smear or daub with grease
2
: to lubricate with grease
3
: to soil with grease
4
: to hasten the process or progress of; also : facilitate
— grease the hand of or grease the palm of
: bribe
See grease defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of GREASE
14th century
Related to GREASE
- Antonyms
- complicate
GREASED Defined for Kids
1grease
noun \ˈgrēs\
Definition of GREASE for Kids
1
: a substance obtained from animal fat by melting
2
: oily material
3
: a thick lubricant
2grease
verb \ˈgrēs, ˈgrēz\
greasedgreas·ing
Definition of GREASE for Kids
: to coat or lubricate with an oily material
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