At-trăc'tion, n.
n. [Fr. attraction, Pr. atracció, Lat. attractio.]
Sense 1. (Physics.) An invisible power in a body by which it draws any thing 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.
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, and has a direct relation to quantity of matter by weight, and not to quality or condition.
(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 that of cohesion, although coarse and mechanical in the mode of its application.
(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 condition of cohesive attraction.
(4.) Chemical attraction, or affinity; attraction between ultimate particles of unlike kinds or polarities, and resulting in a compound possessing new and specific properties. The term electrical attraction is often made to comprehend chemical attraction, under the idea that the power is essentially the same.
Sense 2. The act of attracting; the effect of the principle of attraction.
Attraction may be performed by impulse or some other means. Newton.
Sense 3. The power or act of alluring, drawing to, inviting, or engaging; as, the attraction of beauty or eloquence.
Synonyms—Allurement; enticement; charm.