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.

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.

3.

Attraction; a drawing toward.

[R.]

4.

The adhesive friction of a wheel on a rail, a rope on a pulley, or the like.

Knight.

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.

 

© Webster 1913.

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