Main Entry:

trac·tion

Pronunciation:

\ˈtrak-shən\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Medieval Latin traction-, tractio, from Latin trahere

Date:

1608

1: the act of drawing : the state of being drawn ; also : the force exerted in drawing2: the drawing of a vehicle by motive power ; also : the motive power employed3 a: the adhesive friction of a body on a surface on which it moves <the traction of a wheel on a rail> b: a pulling force exerted on a skeletal structure (as in a fracture) by means of a special device <a traction splint> ; also : a state of tension created by such a pulling force <a leg in traction>

— trac·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\ adjective