Definition of "traction"

The act of pulling something along a surface using motive power.  examples

The condition of being so pulled.  examples

Grip.  examples

The pulling power of an engine or animal.  examples

The adhesive friction of a wheel etc on a surface.  examples

(usually after forms of gain, get or have) Progress in or momentum toward achieving a goal, especially in gaining support, recognition, or popularity.

1. (business) The extent of adoption of a new product or service, typically measured in number of customers or level of revenue achieved.  examples

2. (politics) Popular support.  examples

3. (academia) Scholarly interest and research.  quotations  examples

   Quotations

   • Despite this somewhat late start, the field of study has gained great traction globally, and since 2015 has even had its own journal: Linguistic Landscape: An International Journal.

     2019, Li Huang, James Lambert, “Another Arrow for the Quiver: A New Methodology for Multilingual Researchers”, in Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, page 2

(medicine) A mechanically applied sustained pull, especially to a limb.  examples

(transport) Collectively, the locomotives of a railroad, especially electric locomotives.  examples

(medicine, transitive) To apply a sustained pull to (a limb, etc.).  examples