traction

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the grip produced by friction between a moving object and the surface beneath it

   Winter tires provide better traction on snow and ice.

2. 2
   noun

   the action or use of pulling force to move a vehicle or other load

   Mechanical traction gradually replaced horses on many urban routes.

3. 3
   noun

   increasing acceptance, support, or progress

   The proposal gained traction after several researchers endorsed it.

4. 4
   noun

   a medical treatment that applies a steady pulling force to align or relieve pressure on a bone or limb

   After the fracture, his leg remained in traction for two weeks.

From Medieval Latin tractio ("a pulling"), from Latin tractus, the past participle of trahere ("to draw, pull"). The figurative sense "growing acceptance or momentum" extends the idea of obtaining enough grip to move forward.

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