traction

Meanings

Noun

• The act of pulling something along a surface using motive power.
• The condition of being so pulled.
• Grip.
• The pulling power of an engine or animal.
• The adhesive friction of a wheel etc on a surface.
• Progress in or momentum toward achieving a goal.
• A mechanically applied sustained pull, especially to a limb.
• Collectively, the locomotives of a railroad, especially electric locomotives.

Verb

• To apply a sustained pull to (a limb, etc.).

Origin

• From Medieval Latin tractio, from Latin tractus, perfect passive participle of verb trahere, + noun of action suffix -io (genitive -ionis).