Traction
/ˈtræk.ʃən/noun
The gripping force of a tire on a road or the act of pulling something.
Did you know?The term 'traction' derives from a Latin word meaning 'to pull', connecting it to ancient rituals where pulling or dragging was believed to draw forth power or spirits.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*trah-
“to pull or drag.”
Latin
Latin
tractio
“a pulling, dragging, or drawing.”
Old French
Old French
traction
“act of drawing or pulling.”
Middle English
Middle English
traction
“the act of pulling or drawing something towards oneself.”
Modern English
English
traction
“the grip or hold of a surface, particularly in relation to movement.”