friction

[ frik-shuhn ]

noun

1. Physics. surface resistance to relative motion, as of a body sliding or rolling.
2. the rubbing of the surface of one body against that of another:

   Rubber on pavement has more friction than steel wheel on steel rail.

3. dissension or conflict between people, nations, etc., because of differing ideas, wishes, etc.:

   Friction between family members can escalate during a heat wave, as extreme weather can cause tempers to fray.

   Synonyms: contention, antagonism, clash, dissidence, discord

friction

/ ˈfrɪkʃən /

noun

1. a resistance encountered when one body moves relative to another body with which it is in contact
2. the act, effect, or an instance of rubbing one object against another
3. disagreement or conflict; discord
4. phonetics the hissing element of a speech sound, such as a fricative
5. perfumed alcohol used on the hair to stimulate the scalp

friction

/ frĭk′shən /

1. A force on objects or substances in contact with each other that resists motion of the objects or substances relative to each other.
2. ◆ Static friction arises between two objects that are not in motion with respect to each other, as for example between a cement block and a wooden floor. It increases to counterbalance forces that would move the objects, up to a certain maximum level of force, at which point the objects will begin moving. It is measured as the maximum force the bodies will sustain before motion occurs.
3. ◆ Kinetic friction arises between bodies that are in motion with respect to each other, as for example the force that works against sliding a cement block along a wooden floor. Between two hard surfaces, the kinetic friction is usually somewhat lower than the static friction, meaning that more force is required to set the objects in motion than to keep them in motion.
4. See also drag

friction

1. The resistance of an object to the medium through which or on which it is traveling, such as air, water, or a solid floor.

Derived Forms

• ˈfrictional, adjective
• ˈfrictionless, adjective

Other Words From

• fric·tion·less adjective
• fric·tion·less·ly adverb
• in·ter·fric·tion noun
• non·fric·tion noun
• self-fric·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of friction¹

First recorded in 1575–85; from Latin frictiōn-, stem of frictiō “a rubbing,” from frict(us) “rubbed” (past participle of fricāre “to rub”) + -iō -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of friction¹

C16: from French, from Latin frictiō a rubbing, from fricāre to rub, rub down; related to Latin friāre to crumble

Example Sentences

To realize these movements in a natural system with friction, a computer-controlled regulator has now been added that delivers an impulse at the right moment.

From Science Daily

The debris, which can be as fine as a grain of sand, burns up with the friction as it hits the Earth's atmosphere.

From BBC

But more than a year into this regional conflict, friction is also being felt along its quietest frontier.

From BBC

Lurie could face less friction than Breed did in getting the county’s powerful Board of Supervisors to support his agenda.

From Los Angeles Times

She faithfully supports her husband for years, even as he makes decisions that cause friction — including eventually having 11 children by seven women.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• animosity
• antagonism
• bad blood
• bickering
• conflict
• discontent
• discord
• disharmony
• dispute
• dissension
• hassle
• hatred
• hostility
• quarrel
• resentment
• resistance
• rivalry
• strife
• trouble
• wrangling