\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.
Note: 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.