trac·tion  (tr ăk sh ən)
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n.1. a. The act of drawing or pulling, especially the drawing of a vehicle or load over a surface by motor power. b. The condition of being drawn or pulled. 2. Pulling power, as of a draft animal or engine. 3. Adhesive friction, as of a wheel on a track or a tire on a road. 4. Medicine A sustained pull applied mechanically especially to the arm, leg, or neck so as to correct fractured or dislocated bones, overcome muscle spasms, or relieve pressure. 5. Informal Impetus or advancement, as toward a desired result: The bill gained traction in the Senate and was passed by a large majority.
[Medieval Latin tractiō, tractiōn-, from Latin tractus, past participle of trahere, to pull, draw.]
traction·al adj. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2020 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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