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Noun: traction  trak-shun
  1. The friction between a body and the surface on which it moves (as between an automobile tire and the road)
    "Adhesive friction helps cars maintain traction on wet roads";
    - grip, adhesive friction
     
  2. (orthopaedics) 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"

Derived forms: tractions

Type of: friction, pull, rubbing

Encyclopedia: Traction