Rubbing
/ˈrʌbɪŋ/noun
The action of pressing and moving one surface against another.
Did you know?English rub is ultimately from a Germanic root meaning to rub or scratch, and its ancient relatives spread into words for friction, abrasion, and rough contact across other Germanic languages.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*rubōną
“to rub, scrape, or chafe”
Old English
OE
rubban
“to rub, scrape, or wipe”
Middle English
ME
rubben
“to rub or move something back and forth against a surface”
16th Century
English
rubbing
“the act of rubbing; friction or abrasion”
Modern English
English
rubbing
“the action of pressing and moving one surface against another”