friction Meaning & Definition
What Does Friction Mean?
As a noun, friction means the rubbing of one body against another. It is also used to mean the force that resists relative motion between two bodies in contact.
Friction in Brief
| Part of speech | noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈfrik-shən/ |
| Syllables | 2 |
| Synonyms | clash, detrition and rubbing |
| Antonyms | accord, agreement and concord |
| Plural | frictions |
| First known use | 1704 |
Friction Definition (Noun)
- the rubbing of one body against another
the friction of sandpaper on wood
- the force that resists relative motion between two bodies in contact
oil in a car engine reduces friction
- the clashing between two persons or parties of opposed views : disagreement
friction between neighbors / friction between state and federal authorities
- sound produced by the movement of air through a narrow constriction in the mouth or glottis
Synonyms of Friction
Antonyms of Friction
Friction in a Sentence
Users have reported friction from having to enter their passwords many times a day.
the friction of sandpaper on wood
oil in a car engine reduces friction
friction between neighbors
friction between state and federal authorities
there was friction between the two sides of the family
friction between neighbors / friction between state and federal authorities
Word Forms & Grammar
fric·tion·less adjective
fric·tion·less·ly adverb
friction
frictionless
frictionlessly
frictions
friction (usually uncountable, plural frictions)
Words That Rhyme With Friction
Origin of Friction
Origin 1: 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
Origin 2: From Middle French friction and directly from Latin frictionem, nom. frictio (“a rubbing, rubbing down”).
First Known Use
1704
Friction Pronunciation
Friction is pronounced /ˈfrik-shən/ and has 2 syllables, with the main stress on the first syllable (frik).
Quick Answers About Friction
What part of speech is friction?
Friction is a noun.
What is another word for friction?
Close synonyms of friction are clash, detrition and rubbing. See the full list of friction synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of friction?
The opposite of friction can be expressed with words like accord, agreement, concord and concordance.
What is the plural of friction?
The plural of friction is frictions.