tractive

adjective

trac·​tive ˈtrak-tiv How to pronounce tractive (audio)
1
: serving to draw
2
: of or relating to traction : tractional

Examples of tractive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Tires meant for EVs are engineered to withstand the additional weight, dynamic loading, and tractive demands of an EV, among other things. Jim Resnick, Ars Technica, 22 Dec. 2022 That material sets fibers into a resin, producing a comfortable surface that’s almost soft to the touch, and which remains tractive when wet. Outside Online, 18 Nov. 2022 This type has two sets of driving wheels connected by a joint and providing great tractive force. Wayne Whittaker, Popular Mechanics, 26 Aug. 2021 Of course, in those days, the power source also provided the tractive force needed to set and keep the vehicle in motion. Lyndon Conrad Bell, Houston Chronicle, 9 Aug. 2019

Word History

Etymology

Latin tractus, past participle

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tractive was in 1615

Dictionary Entries Near tractive

Cite this Entry

“Tractive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tractive. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!