Definition of Atraction
At*trac"tion (&?;), n. [L. attractio:
cf. F. attraction.] 1. (Physics) An
invisible power in a body by which it draws anything to itself; the power
in nature acting mutually between bodies or ultimate particles, tending to
draw them together, or to produce their cohesion or combination, and
conversely resisting separation.
&fist; Attraction is exerted at both sensible and
insensible distances, and is variously denominated according to its
qualities or phenomena. Under attraction at sensible distances,
there are, --
(1.) Attraction of gravitation, which acts at all
distances throughout the universe, with a force proportional directly to
the product of the masses of the bodies and inversely to the square of
their distances apart.
(2.) Magnetic, diamagnetic, and
electrical attraction, each of which is limited in its
sensible range and is polar in its action, a property dependent on the
quality or condition of matter, and not on its quantity.
Under attraction at insensible distances, there are, --
(1.) Adhesive attraction, attraction between surfaces
of sensible extent, or by the medium of an intervening substance.
(2.) Cohesive attraction, attraction between ultimate
particles, whether like or unlike, and causing simply an aggregation or a
union of those particles, as in the absorption of gases by charcoal, or of
oxygen by spongy platinum, or the process of solidification or
crystallization. The power in adhesive attraction is strictly the same as
that of cohesion.
(3.) Capillary attraction, attraction causing a liquid
to rise, in capillary tubes or interstices, above its level outside, as in
very small glass tubes, or a sponge, or any porous substance, when one end
is inserted in the liquid. It is a special case of cohesive attraction.
(4.) Chemical attraction, or
affinity, that peculiar force which causes elementary
atoms, or groups of atoms, to unite to form molecules.
2. The act or property of attracting; the effect of
the power or operation of attraction. Newton.
3. The power or act of alluring, drawing to,
inviting, or engaging; an attractive quality; as, the attraction of
beauty or eloquence.
4. That which attracts; an attractive object or
feature.
Syn. -- Allurement; enticement; charm.
- Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
- The tendency to attract
The Moon is held in its orbit by the attraction of the Earth's gravity
- Something which attacts
The new mall should be a major attraction
- The feeling of being attracted
I felt a strange attraction towards the place
- The Nuttall Encyclopedia
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