friction

Language: en

🇬🇧 /ˈfrɪkʃən/ 🇺🇸 /ˈfrɪkʃən/

📖 Definitions

  1. noun
    The resistance to motion of one object moving relative to another; the force that opposes the relative motion or tendency of such motion of two surfaces in contact.; Conflict, disagreement, or tension between people or groups caused by opposing interests or views.; The rubbing of one body or surface against another; the act of rubbing.; In economics, any factor that prevents a market from operating smoothly or efficiently, such as transaction costs, information asymmetry, or regulatory barriers.; In physics, the internal resistance to flow within a fluid, also known as viscosity.; In medicine, a grating sound or sensation produced by the rubbing together of inflamed surfaces, such as in a joint or between the pleurae.; In massage therapy, a technique involving deep circular movements applied with the fingers or thumbs to break down adhesions in soft tissue.

🔗 Details

Word forms

countable / uncountable Plural: frictions

Collocations

friction betweenreduce frictioncause frictioncreate frictioncoefficient of frictionfriction loss

Derivatives

frictionalfrictionlessfrictionally

Synonyms

resistanceabrasionrubbingconflicttensiondiscord

Antonyms

harmonyagreementsmoothness

Commonly confused

fraction
EN: 'Fraction' refers to a numerical part of a whole; 'friction' refers to the resistance force or interpersonal conflict.

Spelling tips

EN: Don't confuse 'friction' (with 'i' after 'r') with 'fraction' (with 'a' after 'r').

💬 Examples

  1. The friction between the tires and the road prevents the car from skidding.

  2. There was growing friction between the two departments over budget allocations.

  3. The friction of the rope against the rock wore through it over time.

  4. High transaction costs create friction in the housing market, slowing down sales.

  5. The internal friction of the oil determines how easily it flows through the engine.

  6. The doctor detected a pericardial friction rub during the physical examination.

  7. The therapist used friction on the patient's shoulder to release the tight muscle knots.