Webster's English Dictionary

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traction

trac.tion \'trak-sh*n\ \-shn*l, -sh*n-*l\ n [NL traction-, tractio, fr. L 
   tractus, pp.] 1: the act of drawing : the state of being drawn; also : the 
   forc e exerted in drawing 2: the drawing of a vehicle by motive power; also 
   : the motive powe r employed 3: the adhesive friction of a body on a 
   surface on which it moves (as of a  wheel on a rail) - trac.tion.al aj