text: can anybody elaborate on the term "tribology"? i have some idea but need comprehensive answer.? http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tribologists/ hi friend, tribology is defined as science of friction, wear & lubrication. this is convention definition. all the term appears when two bodies in contact have relative motion. so any mechanical system where the condition appears tribology is applicable there. for example design of structures like truss, knucle, cotter etc are not in tribology but bearings, brake, clutches, piston rings etc comes in tribology.  there emerges three field in tribology-  1. design of tribo element.  2. material development for tribo application, it includes polymer, composites also.  3.lubricants & lubrication.