ˈtrakshən noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Medieval Latin traction-, tractio, from Latin tractus (past participle of trahere to draw, pull, drag) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at draw
1.
a. : the act of drawing or pulling : the state of being drawn ; also : force exerted in drawing — opposed to pulsion
b. : the drawing of a body (as a vehicle) along a plane or gradient by motive power ; also : the motive power employed in such drawing
steam traction
2. : power or influence that attracts : attraction
3. : public utility transportation service (as electric railways and trolley lines)
reviewing the interurban traction charters
sales of traction bonds
4.
a. : the adhesive friction of a body on a surface on which it moves (as of a wheel on a rail or a rope on a pulley)
b.
(1) : the pulling of or tension established in one body part by another
the gravitational traction exerted by abdominal viscera on the diaphragm
traction of skeletal muscle on the joints
(2) : a pulling force exerted on a skeletal structure (as in fracture) by means of a special device or apparatus
a traction splint
also : a state of tension created by such a pulling force
a leg in traction