force of friction

[ fawrs uhv frik-shuhn ]

noun

, Physics.

1. the force that works in the direction opposite to that of an object’s motion when the surface of the object comes into contact with the surface of another object:

   You can more easily slide across a polished floor than across a carpet because the force of friction working against you is much greater on the carpet.

Word History and Origins

Origin of force of friction¹

First recorded in 1665–75

Example Sentences

The force of friction on his feet would be twice the bite force of a large American alligator, so I don’t think his toes would take it too well.

From Scientific American

To calculate the force of friction, one must multiply the coefficient of friction by the force generated by the object, which was the mass of the tub in the pull of gravity.

From Scientific American

The answer to that question reveals a surprising aspect of high-speed skiing that should interest Olympic spectators: Once you get past 40 mph or so -- near the top end for recreational skiers -- air friction is the single largest force acting against you, greater than the force of friction between the skis and the snow.

From Washington Post

When I undertake to pick out of the pile of rubbish some picture that must have been originally worth a great deal of money, I find it so disfigured by the sheer force of friction that it looks no better than an old daub.

From Project Gutenberg

He was a nervous, bustling man, with an expression of acuteness, and a trick of rubbing his head with a circular motion, as if he were trying to effect a tonsure by force of friction.

From Project Gutenberg