friction

The definition of friction is conflict or unease created when two people of opposing views or ideals come together or the resistance that occurs when surfaces rub together.

(noun)

  1. An example of friction is when Republicans and Democrats get together and discuss politics.
  2. An example of friction is when rope rubs against your hand and you get rope burn.

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See friction in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

  1. a rubbing, esp. of one object against another
  2. disagreement or conflict because of differences of opinion, temperament, etc.
  3. Mech. the resistance to motion of two moving objects or surfaces that touch

Origin: Fr < L frictio < pp. of fricare, to rub: see friable

Related Forms:

See friction in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. The rubbing of one object or surface against another.
  2. Conflict, as between persons having dissimilar ideas or interests; clash.
  3. Physics A force that resists the relative motion or tendency to such motion of two bodies or substances in contact.

Origin:

Origin: Latin frictiō, frictiōn-

Origin: , from frictus

Origin: , past participle of fricāre, to rub

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Related Forms:

  • fricˈtion·al adjective
  • fricˈtion·al·ly adverb

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