antifriction
|an-ti-fric-tion|
🇺🇸
/ˌæn.tiˈfrɪk.ʃən/
🇬🇧
/ˌæn.tiˈfrɪk.ʃ(ə)n/
against rubbing
Etymology
'antifriction' originates from Modern English, formed by the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti' meaning 'against') combined with 'friction' (from Latin 'frictio', from 'fricare' meaning 'to rub').
'antifriction' arose in the early 20th century in engineering contexts (e.g., 'antifriction bearing'), combining 'anti-' + 'friction' to describe materials or devices that act against rubbing; it became established as a compound adjective and sometimes as a noun in technical usage.
Initially it literally meant 'against friction' (resisting rubbing); over time it came to name specific materials/devices ('an antifriction') and to describe components ('antifriction bearings').
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a material, device, or treatment that reduces friction between surfaces; used in engineering contexts (e.g., an antifriction bearing or lining).
The company developed a new antifriction lining to extend the life of the gears.
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Adjective 1
describing a surface, bearing, or treatment designed to reduce friction; tending to reduce rubbing between moving parts.
Antifriction bearings are commonly used in electric motors.
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Last updated: 2025/09/01 09:52