traction

noun

1. 1

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

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

2. 2

   The condition of being so pulled.

3. 3

   Grip.

4. 4

   The pulling power of an engine or animal.

5. 5

   The adhesive friction of a wheel etc on a surface.

6. 6

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

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

7. 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.

8. 8

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

9. 9

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

   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. 10

    A mechanically applied sustained pull, especially to a limb.

11. 11

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

12. 12

    obsoleteA traction engine.

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

verb

1. 1

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

Forms

plural

tractions

past tense

tractioned

past participle

tractioned

present participle

tractioning

third person singular

tractions