traction — English Dictionary

Noun

1. The act of pulling something along a surface using motive power.

   Usage

   • Uncountable
   • usually

   Examples

   Horse traction was used for all but 23 years of the tramway's life.

2. The condition of being so pulled.

   Usage

   • Uncountable
   • usually

3. Grip.

   Usage

   • Uncountable
   • usually

4. The pulling power of an engine or animal.

   Usage

   • Uncountable
   • usually

5. The adhesive friction of a wheel etc on a surface.

   Usage

   • Uncountable
   • usually

6. Progress in or momentum toward achieving a goal, especially in gaining support, recognition, or popularity.

   Usage

   • Uncountable
   • usually
   • after forms of gain

   Examples

   I could not get any traction in trying to push through the legislation.

7. Progress in or momentum toward achieving a goal, especially in gaining support, recognition, or popularity. The extent of adoption of a new product or service, typically measured in number of customers or level of revenue achieved.

   Usage

   • Uncountable
   • usually
   • after forms of gain

8. Progress in or momentum toward achieving a goal, especially in gaining support, recognition, or popularity. Popular support.

   Usage

   • Uncountable
   • usually
   • after forms of gain

9. Progress in or momentum toward achieving a goal, especially in gaining support, recognition, or popularity. Scholarly interest and research.

   Usage

   • Uncountable
   • usually
   • after forms of gain

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   Despite this somewhat late start, the field of study has gained great traction globally, and since 2015 has even had its own journal: Linguistic Landscape: An International Journal.

10. A mechanically applied sustained pull, especially to a limb.

    Usage

    • Uncountable
    • usually

11. Collectively, the locomotives of a railroad, especially electric locomotives.

    Usage

    • Uncountable
    • usually

12. A traction engine.

    Usage

    • Obsolete
    • Uncountable
    • usually

    Examples

    ‘Well,’ McCarthy answered, with a broad smile, when Dan stopped the puffing traction before his door[.]

Verb

1. To apply a sustained pull to (a limb, etc.).

   Usage

   • Transitive

Noun

1. the friction between a body and the surface on which it moves (as between an automobile tire and the road)

   Synonyms

   gripadhesive friction

   Broader terms

   frictionrubbing

2. (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

   Broader terms

   pullpulling

   Examples

   his leg was in traction for several days