tribology

noun

tri·​bol·​o·​gy trī-ˈbä-lə-jē How to pronounce tribology (audio) tri- How to pronounce tribology (audio)
: a study that deals with the design, friction, wear, and lubrication of interacting surfaces in relative motion (as in bearings or gears)
tribological adjective
tribologist noun

Examples of tribology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Indeed, tribology is a highly interdisciplinary field, a branch of study made up of mechanical engineering, materials science, biology, mathematics, and others. Adrienne Bernhard, Popular Mechanics, 20 Mar. 2023 In fact, tribology’s influence on global energy consumption, emissions, healthcare and sustainability has never been more immediate. Adrienne Bernhard, Popular Mechanics, 20 Mar. 2023 In part, because tribology itself is built on unseen forces all around us. Adrienne Bernhard, Popular Mechanics, 7 Apr. 2020

Word History

Etymology

tribo- + -logy

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tribology was in 1966

Dictionary Entries Near tribology

Cite this Entry

“Tribology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tribology. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

tribology

noun
tri·​bol·​o·​gy trī-ˈbäl-ə-jē How to pronounce tribology (audio) trib-ˈäl- How to pronounce tribology (audio)
plural tribologies
: a branch of mechanical engineering that deals with the design, friction, wear, and lubrication of interacting surfaces (as bodily joints) in relative motion
tribological adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on tribology

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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