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static friction

American  
[stat-ik frik-shuhn] / ˈstæt ɪk ˈfrɪk ʃən /

noun

  1. Physics. the force of friction that resists movement by either of two objects that are in contact but at rest, relative to each other. For example, the absence of movement between a sack of flour and the countertop it sits on.


static friction Scientific  
  1. See under friction


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Describe this process in more detail, in particular explaining how it is related to the fact that kinetic friction is less than static friction.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

This means that the static friction responds to what you do—it increases to be equal to and in the opposite direction of your push.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

“It allowed direct contact with the leather of the football and not the irregular laces. That meant an enormous amount of static friction between the glove and the ball.”

From New York Times • Nov. 24, 2014

If the entire assembly is immersed in an ideal viscous fluid, then the frictional forces that act on the balls will be proportional to their velocity; there will be no static friction.

From Scientific American • Jun. 1, 2011

Still, its parts must be perfectly rigid and free of static friction, properties not found in any macroscopic body.

From Scientific American • Jun. 1, 2011