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friction

n.
US //ˈfɹɪkʃən// UK //fɹˈɪkʃən// fric·tion
  1. 1 physical rubbing (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of rubbing one thing against another.

    the action of one surface or object rubbing against another. Uncountable in most contexts.

    Example

    The friction of the rope against the wood caused it to fray over time.

    Example

    The constant friction between the moving parts of the engine necessitated a high-quality lubricant to prevent overheating and mechanical failure.
  2. 2 resistance force (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    a force that slows down objects when they touch or move against each other.

    the resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another. Often used in scientific contexts.

    Example

    Ice has very little friction, which is why it is so easy to slip on it.

    Example

    In physics experiments, students must calculate how friction affects the velocity of a sliding block across different textured surfaces.
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  1. 3 social conflict (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    disagreement or tension between people who have different ideas.

    conflict or animosity caused by a clash of wills, temperaments, or opposing interests.

    Example

    There was a lot of friction between the two managers regarding the new budget.

    Example

    The merger created significant friction between the two corporate cultures, leading to several high-level resignations within the first six months.
  2. 4 medical massage (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic Medicine

    a type of firm massage used to help blood flow.

    the act of rubbing the body or a limb, often as a medical treatment to stimulate circulation or muscle recovery.

    Example

    The doctor recommended a daily friction of the limbs to improve his circulation.

    Example

    Nineteenth-century medical texts often prescribed vigorous frictions with oils to treat patients suffering from poor peripheral circulation.
Origin

From Middle French friction and directly from Latin frictionem, nom. frictio (“a rubbing, rubbing down”).

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