The tendency of two bodies to approach each other. [L. at-traho, pp. -tractus, to draw toward]
- capillary a. the force that causes fluids to rise up very fine tubes or pass through the pores of a loose material.
- chemical a. the force impelling atoms of different elements or molecules to unite to form new substances or compounds.
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at·trac·tion ə-'trak-shən n a force acting mutually between particles of matter, tending to draw them together, and resisting their separation
at·tract ə-'trakt vt
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at·trac·tion (ə-trakґshən) [L. attractus past part. of attrahere to draw together] 1. the process of drawing one body toward another. 2. a condition in which the teeth or other maxillary and mandibular structures are higher than normal position, thereby causing shortening of the face. Cf. abstraction (def. 2).Medical dictionary. 2011.