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stiction

noun
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stic·​tion | \ ˈstik-shən How to pronounce stiction (audio) \

Definition of stiction

: the force required to cause one body in contact with another to begin to move
Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about stiction

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Did You Know?

Stiction has been a part of the English language since at least 1946, when it appeared in a journal of aeronautics. The word is a combination of the st- of static ("of or relating to bodies at rest") and the -iction of friction ("the force that resists relative motion between two bodies in contact"). So, basically, it means static friction (or to put it another way, as in our second example sentence, "stationary friction").

Examples of stiction in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Our car's stock 205/55ZR-16 tires mustered 0.87 g of stiction on the skidpad. — Frank Markus, Car and Driver, "Tested: 2000 Audi TT Goes All-In on Style," 1 June 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'stiction.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of stiction

1946, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for stiction

static + friction

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Time Traveler for stiction

Time Traveler

The first known use of stiction was in 1946

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Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP

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Cite this Entry

“Stiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stiction. Accessed 14 Apr. 2021.

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