Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to or caused by friction: Describes something that involves, results from, or is characterized by the resistance encountered when one surface moves over another.
   • Operated by friction: Refers to mechanisms or devices that function through the force of friction.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The engineer calculated the frictional forces acting on the brake pads.
  • Frictional heating can cause significant wear on machine parts.
  • The old clock used a frictional escapement mechanism.

Advanced Usage

• "Frictional unemployment": (Economics) A type of temporary unemployment that occurs when workers are transitioning between jobs, entering the workforce, or re-entering it. The metaphor likens the job search process to the resistance of friction.
  • Even in a healthy economy, a certain level of frictional unemployment is normal.

Variants and Related Words

• Friction (n): The resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another.
  • The friction between the tires and the road provides traction.
• Frictionless (adj): Involving no friction; smooth and effortless.
  • The goal is to create a frictionless user experience on the website.

Synonyms

• Abrasive: Causing abrasion or wearing away by friction.
• Resistive: Relating to or exhibiting resistance.

Related Phrases

• Frictional drag: (Physics/Engineering) The resisting force caused by friction on a body moving through a fluid or along a surface.
  • The submarine's design minimizes frictional drag.
• Frictional contact: (Engineering) The state where two surfaces are in contact and subject to frictional forces.
  • The analysis focused on the stresses at the point of frictional contact.

Adjective

1. pertaining to or worked or produced by friction
   • frictional electricity
   • frictional heat
   • frictional gearing