Traction: meaning, definitions and examples

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traction

[ˈtrækʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

vehicle

Traction is the grip or adhesion of a tire to a road surface, which allows the vehicle to move forward. It is essential for safe driving in various weather conditions and terrains.

Synonyms

adhesion, grip, traction control.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
traction	Traction is often used when discussing vehicles, tires, or any situation where something needs to maintain a hold on a surface to prevent slipping. It is commonly used in automotive contexts. The new tires have better traction on wet roads. We need to improve the traction of the car in snowy conditions.
grip	Grip is commonly used in casual conversation and refers to the ability to hold firmly onto something, either physically or metaphorically. It can relate to anything from car tires to the way a person holds an object. Make sure you have a good grip on the ladder before you climb it. These shoes have excellent grip on slippery surfaces.
adhesion	Adhesion is more frequently used in scientific or technical contexts to describe the property of different materials or substances sticking together. It is less common in everyday conversation. The adhesion of the glue was tested in the lab. Good adhesion is crucial for the layers of paint to bond properly.
traction control	Traction control is a specific term used in automotive contexts. It refers to a feature in vehicles that helps prevent wheel spin and maintain control, especially in slippery conditions. The car's traction control kicked in to help navigate the icy road. With traction control, the vehicle adjusts power to the wheels to improve safety.

Examples of usage

The tires on this car provide excellent traction on wet roads.
Four-wheel drive vehicles have better traction on rough terrain.
Good traction is important for preventing skidding and accidents.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

medicine

In medicine, traction refers to the act of pulling or stretching a body part using a mechanical device. It is often used to treat fractures, dislocations, or spinal conditions.

Synonyms

orthopedic traction, pulling, stretching.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
traction	See earlier entry on traction.
stretching	Used in both physical exercise and general contexts to describe the action of making something longer or wider without tearing. Common in fitness and disciplines like yoga. He injured himself while stretching before the run The cat was lazily stretching on the couch
pulling	Commonly used in everyday situations to describe the act of drawing something towards oneself or to apply force to move something. She was pulling the heavy cart up the hill The mechanic was pulling the rope to start the engine
orthopedic traction	Specifically related to medical treatment to correct bone or muscle issues. It is often used in hospital or clinical settings. The patient was put in orthopedic traction to realign his spine The orthopedic traction helped in healing the fractured leg

Examples of usage

The doctor applied traction to the patient's broken leg to align the bones.
Cervical traction is commonly used to relieve neck pain.
Traction therapy can help improve spinal alignment and reduce pain.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word 'tractio', meaning 'a pulling' or 'drawing'.
The transition to modern usage in English began around the 14th century, mainly in contexts related to pulling forces.

Science

Traction is important in physics, especially in mechanics, where it concerns the interaction between surfaces.
Different materials have different friction coefficients, which directly affect traction levels.

Sports

In sports like tennis, the right shoes provide traction, crucial for quick movements and stability.
Athletes often use specialized equipment designed to enhance traction for better performance.

Technology

The concept of traction can also apply in business, referring to the evidence of growth or progress.
Startups often seek 'market traction' to show that their product or service is gaining acceptance among consumers.

Cultural References

In popular culture, 'traction' is often used metaphorically to describe gaining support or attention, particularly in social movements.
Books and movies sometimes portray characters gaining traction in their careers or personal lives, symbolizing success and stability.

Translations

Translations of the word "traction" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tração

🇮🇳 कर्षण

🇩🇪 Traktion

🇮🇩 traksi

🇺🇦 тяга

🇵🇱 trakcja

🇯🇵 トラクション

🇫🇷 traction

🇪🇸 tracción

🇹🇷 çekiş

🇰🇷 견인

🇸🇦 جر

🇨🇿 trakce

🇸🇰 trakcia

🇨🇳 牵引

🇸🇮 trakcija

🇮🇸 tog

🇰🇿 тарту

🇬🇪 მოწევა

🇦🇿 çəkmə

🇲🇽 tracción

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,486 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

...
9483 vigour
9484 degraded
9485 folio
9486 traction
9487 blended
9488 coaches
9489 coordinating
...