Subscriber login


Forgot your password?

Library card login

Other

friction

Syllabification: (fric·tion)
Pronunciation: /ˈfrikSHən/

Translate friction | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of friction

noun

  • the resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another:a lubrication system that reduces friction
  • the action of one surface or object rubbing against another:the friction of braking
  • conflict or animosity caused by a clash of wills, temperaments, or opinions:a considerable amount of friction between father and son

Derivatives

frictionless

adjective

Origin:

mid 16th century (denoting chafing or rubbing of the body or limbs, formerly much used in medical treatment): via French from Latin frictio(n-), from fricare 'to rub'

friction in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of friction in the British & World English dictionary

Nearby words

  |  Cite

More words in this category

Word of the day

merrythought

/ ˈmerēˌTHôt /
noun
the wishbone of a bird …