antifrictional
|an-ti-fric-tion-al|
🇺🇸
/ˌæn.tiˈfrɪk.ʃən.əl/
🇬🇧
/ˌæn.tɪˈfrɪk.ʃən.əl/
reduces friction
Etymology
'antifrictional' is formed from Greek prefix 'anti-' (meaning 'against') + English 'friction' (from Latin 'frictio') + adjectival suffix '-al'.
'friction' comes from Latin 'frictio' (from 'fricare', 'to rub'), passed into Old French as 'fricion' and Middle English as 'friction'; 'anti-' is from Greek 'anti' meaning 'against'; these elements combined in modern English to form 'antifrictional'.
Originally the components literally meant 'against rubbing'; over time the combined adjective came to mean 'designed to reduce friction' and, by extension, 'making processes smoother'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
designed to reduce or eliminate friction (mechanical); e.g., describing bearings, coatings, or surfaces that allow parts to move smoothly.
The machine uses antifrictional bearings to improve efficiency and reduce wear.
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Adjective 2
figurative: reducing obstacles or resistance in processes, interactions, or systems (making something run more smoothly).
The new policy has an antifrictional effect on international trade, simplifying customs procedures.
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Last updated: 2025/09/01 10:04