Friction
/ˈfrɪk.ʃən/noun
The resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another.
Did you know?The term 'friction' once described not only resistance but also the act of rubbing two substances together in ancient alchemical practices to create transformation.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bhrēg-
“to break, to shatter”
Latin
Latin
frictio
“rubbing, a rubbing together”
Late Latin
Late Latin
frictio
“a rubbing, friction”
Old French
Old French
friction
“rubbing, friction”
Middle English
Middle English
friccion
“the action of rubbing, resistance”
Modern English
English
friction
“the resistance encountered by one surface moving over another”