The term 'REDUCES FRICTION' can be solved by the crossword solution 'OILS', which is a four-letter word. Oils are substances that are composed of hydrocarbons and other compounds, and they are used to reduce friction between two surfaces. Oils are often used in lubrication, which is the process of reducing the friction between two surfaces in contact with each other. This helps to reduce wear and tear on the surfaces, and it also helps to improve the efficiency of machines.