friction

noun

fric·​tion ˈfrik-shən How to pronounce friction (audio)
1
a
: the rubbing of one body against another
the friction of sandpaper on wood
b
: the force that resists relative motion between two bodies in contact
oil in a car engine reduces friction
2
: the clashing between two persons or parties of opposed views : disagreement
friction between neighbors
friction between state and federal authorities
3
: sound produced by the movement of air through a narrow constriction in the mouth or glottis
frictionless adjective
frictionlessly adverb

Examples of friction in a Sentence

the friction of sandpaper on wood Oil in a car engine reduces friction. It was difficult to reach an agreement because of the friction between the two sides.
Recent Examples on the Web Supporting so many software and hardware integrations both on-premises and in the cloud has become a real source of IT friction. Douglas Murray, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 The end result has led to the arena successfully housing two teams without much friction. Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2024 The innovative material is not only lightweight and resistant to corrosion, temperature changes, and magnetic fields but also reduces friction altogether improving the durability of the movement. Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2024 Deep disagreements over Gaza's future have led to increasingly public friction between Israel and the United States, its closest ally. Wafaa Shurafa and Bassem Mroue The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 24 Feb. 2024 The order to beef up security at U.S. ports comes amid wider geopolitical friction between Washington and Beijing. Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 22 Feb. 2024 The matter circling the black hole rubs together, creating friction that releases glowing heat that can be seen from far away. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Feb. 2024 To prevent friction with the IDF, the force would need to be led by a U.S. general. Martin Indyk, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024 The speed of the foot swing was controlled by friction at the pivot point. Jothy Rosenberg, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'friction.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

earlier, therapeutic rubbing of the limbs, from Middle French, from Latin friction-, frictio, from fricare to rub; akin to Latin friare to crumble, and perhaps to Sanskrit bhrīṇanti they injure

First Known Use

1704, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of friction was in 1704

Dictionary Entries Near friction

Cite this Entry

“Friction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/friction. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

friction

noun
fric·​tion ˈfrik-shən How to pronounce friction (audio)
1
a
: the rubbing of one thing against another
b
: the force that resists motion between bodies in contact
the friction of a box sliding along the floor
lubrication reduces friction
2
: disagreement between persons or groups
3
: sound produced by the movement of air through a narrow constriction in the mouth or glottis
frictional
-shnəl
-shən-ᵊl
adjective
frictionally
adverb
frictionless adjective
Etymology

Middle English friction "a rubbing of two things together, friction," from early French friction or Latin friction-, frictio (both same meaning), derived from Latin fricare "to rub" — related to fray entry 2

More from Merriam-Webster on friction

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