tribologyn.
/trʌɪˈbɒlədʒi/, U.S. /traɪˈbɑlədʒi/ The branch of science and technology concerned with interacting surfaces in relative motion and with associated matters (as friction, wear, lubrication, and the design of bearings). Mr. H. P. Jost (see quot. 1968), chairman of a working group of ‘lubrication engineers’, corresponded with me in 1965 about the need for a new term and accepted tribology, a word suggested by Mr. C. G. Hardie of Magdalen College.—R.W.B.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > physics > mechanics > force > [noun] > resistance > friction > study of
tribophysics1950
tribology1966
1966 Lubrication (Tribology) (Dept. Educ. & Sci.) Feb. 4 Tribology is defined as follows: Tribology is the science and technology of interacting surfaces in relative motion and of the practices related thereto.
1968 New Scientist 8 Feb. 292 After consultation with the English Dictionary Department of the Oxford University Press—the publishers of the Oxford Dictionary—we chose the term ‘tribology’.
1969 Sunday Times 30 Nov. 30/2 Two chairs of tribology have been established, one at Leeds and another at Salford.
1975 Sci. Amer. July 50/3 This field of study is known, more commonly in Britain than in the U.S., as tribology.
1980 Canada Weekly 19 Nov. 4/1 As Canada's main centre of expertise on tribology..the..laboratory examines the problem of wear and failure of rails and wheels.
Derivatives
triboˈlogical adj. of or pertaining to tribology.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > physics > mechanics > force > [adjective] > resisting > relating to study of friction
tribological1966
tribophysical1977
1966 New Scientist 19 May 423/1 They suggested that the Institution of Mechanical Engineers should organize ‘professional institution activities in the tribological sphere’.
1973 Nature 6 Apr. 361/3 The tribological problems the centre has tackled have ranged from making gas bearings to designing window hinges for high rise flats.
1977 Engin. Materials & Design Aug. 35/2 This compound layer has excellent tribological properties under dry running as well as lubricated conditions.
triˈbologist n. an expert or specialist in tribology.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > physics > mechanics > force > [noun] > resistance > friction > study of > one who
tribologist1969
1969 Lubrication Engin. Feb. 88/3 (heading) Dr. Finkin named chief tribologist.
1974 Globe & Mail (Toronto) 18 Apr. 45/2 Tribologists believe they can save Canadians several hundred million dollars a year.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1986; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1966