Traction

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈtɹæk.ʃən/
• Rhymes: -ækʃən

Origin

From Latin tractus, perfect passive participle of verb trahere ("pull"), + noun of action suffix -io (genitive -ionis).

Full definition of traction

Noun

1. the act of pulling something along a surface using motive power
2. the condition of being so pulled
3. Grip
4. the pulling power of an engine or animal
5. the adhesive friction of a wheel etc on a surface
6. (medicine) a mechanically applied sustained pull, especially to a limb
7. (business) the extent of adoption of a new product or service, typically measured in number of customers or level of revenue achieved
8. (politics) popular support

Derived terms

• subtraction
• traction engine
• tractive