This is a simple tri-tip rub recipe straight from a barbeque in Santa Maria..
-ation. suffix forming nouns. 1. indicating an action, process, state, condition, or result Compare-ion, -tion: arbitration; cogitation; hibernation; moderation. [from Latin -ÄtiÅn-, suffix of abstract nouns, from -Ätus-ate 1 + -iÅn-ion].
1540s, abrasion, a scraping, from Latin attritionem (nominative attritio), literally a rubbing against, noun of action from past participle stem of atterere to wear, rub away, figuratively to destroy, waste, from ad- to (see ad-) + terere to rub (see throw (v.)).