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View synonyms for

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: , , , ,



friction

/ ˈڰɪʃə /

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

friction

  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.
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Derived Forms

  • ˈڰپDzԲ, adjective
  • ˈڰپDzԱ, adjective
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Other Word Forms

  • ڰ·پDz· adjective
  • ڰ·پDz··ly adverb
  • ·ٱ·ڰ·پDz noun
  • ԴDz·ڰ·پDz noun
  • -ڰ·پDz noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of friction1

First recorded in 1575–85; from Latin ڰپō-, stem of ڰپō “a rubbing,” from frict(us) “rubbed” (past participle of ڰ “to rub”) + -ion
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Word History and Origins

Origin of friction1

C16: from French, from Latin ڰپō a rubbing, from ڰ to rub, rub down; related to Latin ڰ to crumble
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

"It means he can play and he has that extra padding to protect him and reduce the friction," she said.

From

Millet’s characters reflect the real trend of Gen Z students returning to the nest to save money or find their passions, providing the author with the opportunity to explore generational friction in these households.

From

Carol says if she goes to space it might create some family friction as her daughter, scientist Katie King, founded a company that uses the conditions in space to help manufacture drugs.

From

"Concerns on trade frictions are coming true" and unsettling the global community, RBI governor Sanjay Malhotra said in his speech, adding that headwinds from disruptions to trade would continue to pose challenges for the economy.

From

The friction set the mood for the years ahead.

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FRICSfrictional