traction

Traction is defined as how well something grips onto something, moves ahead without slipping or pulling power.

(noun)

When a tire moves over the surface of the road smoothly and grips well, this is an example of a tire that has good traction.

See traction in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

1. a pulling or drawing, esp. of a load, vehicle, etc. over a road, track, or other surface
2. the state of being pulled or drawn
3. the kind of power used for pulling or drawing: electric traction
1. a pulling, as of the muscles of the leg, arm, etc., in order to bring a fractured or dislocated bone into place
2. a constant pull of this kind maintained by means of some apparatus, as for relieving pressure
the power, as of tires on pavement, to grip or hold to a surface while moving, without slipping

Origin: ML tractio < L tractus, pp. of trahere, to draw

Related Forms:

See traction in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. The act of drawing or pulling, especially the drawing of a vehicle or load over a surface by motor power.
b. The condition of being drawn or pulled.
Pulling power, as of a draft animal or engine.
Adhesive friction, as of a wheel on a track or a tire on a road.
Medicine A sustained pull applied mechanically especially to the arm, leg, or neck so as to correct fractured or dislocated bones, overcome muscle spasms, or relieve pressure.

Origin:

Origin: Medieval Latin tractiō, tractiōn-

Origin: , from Latin tractus

Origin: , past participle of trahere, to pull, draw

Related Forms: