The Captain’s Log

Toplevel | Pontifications of The Great and Terrible Captain Cucamunga.

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:39:31 EST

Traction

The noun traction names a pulling force. To gain, to have, or to apply traction is to gain, to have, to apply a literal or figurative pulling force. Traction ultimately derives from the Latin verb trahere, which means to pull.

Traction does not mean adhesive friction. Adhesive friction enables traction. So says the Great and Terrible Captain Cucamunga.