frictional
|fric-tion-al|
/ˈfrɪkʃənəl/
related to rubbing
Etymology
'frictional' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'frictio' (from the verb 'fricare'), where 'fricare' meant 'to rub'.
'friction' came into English via Old French and Middle English (e.g. Middle English 'friccioun'/'friction'), and the adjective 'frictional' was formed in English by adding the suffix '-al' to 'friction'.
Initially related to the act of rubbing ('the act of rubbing' or 'rubbing process'), the word's meaning broadened to indicate resistance to motion and then to the adjectival sense 'relating to friction' (including specialized uses such as in economics).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to or caused by friction; producing resistance to motion between contacting surfaces.
The frictional force between the two surfaces slowed the sliding block.
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Adjective 2
(Economics) Describing short-term unemployment or effects that arise from normal labor-market turnover (as in 'frictional unemployment').
Frictional unemployment tends to be short-lived as people search for jobs that match their skills.
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Last updated: 2025/08/22 23:10