n.
Pronunciation: ' trak-sh ə n
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 drawing
2 : the drawing of a vehicle by motive power also : the motive power employed
3 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 \ -shn ə l, -sh ə -n ə l \ adjective