tribo

n. [ tribo- + electricity. ] electrical charge developed by rubbing objects together, suc as amber on cat fur. [ PJC ]

{ , n. } [ F. triboulet. ] 1. A goldsmith's tool used in making rings. Ainsworth. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A steel cylinder round which metal is drawn in the process of forming tubes. Tomlinson. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Blacksmithing) A tapering mandrel. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ tribo- + -ology. ] the study of the effects of friction on parts of machinery moving in contact with each other, and of methods, such as lubrication, to counteract negative effects such as wear. [ PJC ]