n. 1 the action of one object rubbing against another. 2 the resistance an object encounters in moving over another. 3 a clash of wills, temperaments, or opinions; mutual animosity arising from disagreement. 4 (in comb.) of devices that transmit motion by frictional contact (friction-clutch; friction-disc). friction-ball a ball used in bearings to lessen friction. frictional adj. frictionless adj.
[ F f. L frictio -onis f. fricare frict- rub ]