'Traction' definitions:

Definition of 'traction'

From: WordNet
noun
The friction between a body and the surface on which it moves (as between an automobile tire and the road) [syn: grip, traction, adhesive friction]
noun
(orthopedics) the act of pulling on a bone or limb (as in a fracture) to relieve pressure or align parts in a special way during healing; "his leg was in traction for several days"

Definition of 'Traction'

From: GCIDE
  • Traction \Trac"tion\, n. [L. trahere, tractum, to draw: cf. F. traction.]
  • 1. The act of drawing, or the state of being drawn; as, the traction of a muscle. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Specifically, the act of drawing a body along a plane by motive power, as the drawing of a carriage by men or horses, the towing of a boat by a tug. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Attraction; a drawing toward. [R.] [1913 Webster]
  • 4. The adhesive friction of a wheel on a rail, a rope on a pulley, or the like; as, the car is stuck in the snow because it can;t get any traction. --Knight. [1913 Webster +PJC]
  • Angle of traction (Mech.), the angle made with a given plane by the line of direction in which a tractive force acts.
  • Traction engine, a locomotive for drawing vehicles on highways or in the fields. [1913 Webster]