traction

Universal Words noun [U] 1 the action of pulling sth along a surface; the power that is used for doing this: diesel / electric / steam traction 2 a way of treating a broken bone in your body that involves using special equipment to pull the bone gradually back into its correct place: He spent six weeks in traction after he broke his leg. 3 the force that stops sth, for example the wheels of a vehicle, from sliding on the ground