Definition

The force that allows something to grip or hold onto a surface, like a tire on a road, or a method used in medicine to pull and align bones.

Example

The car's tires provided excellent traction on the wet road.

Conversation

Have you noticed how much traction those new tires have on the road?

Yeah, they really grip well, especially in wet conditions.

I think having good traction makes a huge difference in driving safety.

Absolutely! It's one of the most important factors to consider.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Traction is formed from "tractio" (from Latin, meaning pulling or drawing) and the suffix "-ion" (indicating the action or process). The word refers to the action of pulling or drawing, particularly in the context of grip or hold, such as in vehicles or physical therapy.

Memory Tip

Think of 'pulling' ('tractio') to remember that 'traction' refers to the action of pulling or gripping.

Visually Confused Words