Definition
A bearing that supports a rotating shaft using rolling elements such as balls or rollers placed between two hardened races, so the surfaces roll against each other rather than slide. This rolling action greatly reduces friction, heat, and wear compared to a plain sliding bearing.
Plain English
A bearing that uses small balls or rollers between two rings so a spinning shaft turns smoothly with very little rubbing.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance when inspecting or servicing wheels, engine accessories, and other rotating parts.
Derivation
From 'anti-' (against) and 'friction' (rubbing resistance). The name simply describes its job: a bearing built to work against friction by replacing sliding contact with rolling contact.
Why Pilots Care
These bearings reduce heat and wear in high-speed rotating components, extending service life and preventing failures.
Analogy
Think of dragging a heavy box across the floor versus rolling it on a set of marbles. The marbles are doing what the balls in an antifriction bearing do.
Intuition Check
Antifriction does not mean there is no friction at all. It means the bearing reduces friction by using rolling contact instead of sliding contact.
Example Sentence 1
The mechanic replaced the antifriction bearing in the nose wheel after finding roughness during the preflight wheel spin.
Example Sentence 2
Inspect the landing gear for signs of wear in the antifriction bearings after a hard landing.