tribology

noun

tri·bol·o·gy trī-ˈbä-lə-jē

tri-

: a study that deals with the design, friction, wear, and lubrication of interacting surfaces in relative motion (as in bearings or gears)

tribological

ˌtrī-bə-ˈlä-ji-kəl

ˌtri-

adjective

tribologist

trī-ˈbä-lə-jist

tri-

noun

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web In part, because tribology itself is built on unseen forces all around us. —

Adrienne Bernhard, Popular Mechanics, 7 Apr. 2020

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

Word History

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of tribology was in 1966

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Tribology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tribology. Accessed 4 Feb. 2023.

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Medical Definition

tribology

noun

tri·bol·o·gy trī-ˈbäl-ə-jē

trib-ˈäl-

plural tribologies

: a branch of mechanical engineering that deals with the design, friction, wear, and lubrication of interacting surfaces (as bodily joints) in relative motion

tribological

ˌtrī-bə-ˈläj-i-kəl

ˌtrib-ə-

adjective