low-friction
|low-fric-tion|
🇺🇸
/ˌloʊˈfrɪkʃən/
🇬🇧
/ˌləʊˈfrɪkʃən/
little resistance
Etymology
'low-friction' originates from modern English, formed by combining 'low' (an Old English-derived word meaning 'not high' or 'small in amount') and 'friction' (from Late Latin 'frictio'/'fricare' via Old/Middle French).
'friction' entered English from Late Latin/Old French (Latin 'frictio', from 'fricare' meaning 'to rub'); 'low-friction' is a modern compound created in English by joining 'low' + 'friction' to describe reduced rubbing or resistance.
Initially, 'friction' referred specifically to physical rubbing; over time the compound 'low-friction' retained that literal sense and also acquired a figurative meaning of 'producing few obstacles' (e.g., in processes or interfaces).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having little physical resistance to movement or rubbing; producing minimal mechanical friction.
The low-friction surface allowed the puck to glide effortlessly across the table.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
requiring little effort or creating few obstacles in a process or interaction (figurative/UX/business use).
The company redesigned its signup flow to be low-friction, increasing conversions.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/29 15:41