tractive

adjective

trac·​tive ˈtrak-tiv How to pronounce tractive (audio)
1
: serving to draw
2
: of or relating to traction : tractional

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Tires meant for EVs are engineered to withstand the additional weight, dynamic loading, and tractive demands of an EV, among other things. Jim Resnick, Ars Technica, 22 Dec. 2022 That material sets fibers into a resin, producing a comfortable surface that’s almost soft to the touch, and which remains tractive when wet. Outside Online, 18 Nov. 2022 This type has two sets of driving wheels connected by a joint and providing great tractive force. Wayne Whittaker, Popular Mechanics, 26 Aug. 2021 Of course, in those days, the power source also provided the tractive force needed to set and keep the vehicle in motion. Lyndon Conrad Bell, Houston Chronicle, 9 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tractive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

Latin tractus, past participle

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tractive was in 1615

Dictionary Entries Near tractive

Cite this Entry

“Tractive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tractive. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

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