English · Word Candidate

friction

/ˈfɹɪkʃən/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: frictions

Sense 1

Meaning · English

The rubbing of one object or surface against another.

Noun

Examples

Energy has seldom been found where we need it when we want it. Ancient nomads, wishing to ward off the evening chill and enjoy a meal around a campfire, had to collect wood and then spend time and effort coaxing the heat of friction out from between sticks to kindle a flame.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A force that resists the relative motion or tendency to such motion of two bodies in contact.

Noun

Examples

Secondly, When a body is once in motion it will continue to move forever, unless something stops it. When a ball is struck on the surface of the earth, the friction of the earth and the resistance of the air soon stop its motion.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “friction” mean?

The rubbing of one object or surface against another.

Is “friction” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.

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