What is the definition of contraction

	contraction
1.		[ noun ] (physiology) a shortening or tensing of a part or organ (especially of a muscle or muscle fiber)
Synonyms:		muscular_contraction muscle_contraction
Related terms:		extension shortening tetanus braxton-hicks_contraction vaginismus uterine_contraction contracture physiology
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2.		[ noun ] the act of decreasing (something) in size or volume or quantity or scope
Related terms:		expansion decrease narrow shrink contract
3.		[ noun ] the process or result of becoming smaller or pressed together
Synonyms:		condensation compression
Examples:		: "the contraction of a gas on cooling"
Related terms:		shrinking coarctation compress condense
4.		[ noun ] (linguistics) a word formed from two or more words by omitting or combining some sounds
Examples:		"`won't' is a contraction of `will not'" "`o'clock' is a contraction of `of the clock'"
Related terms:		word

Similar spelling:		contract counteraction contradiction contraception contraption contracting contortion contrition contravention contractile contract_in contribution contract_out contractor contradict contracted contractility counteract contortionist contrasting contrast contractual contracture contralto contract_law contributing contractable contrastingly counteractive contractually contradictory contraceptive contraband contrarian contravene contract_offer contrabassoon contrivance contradance contrariety contrarious contrastive contra_danse centralisation contrail centralization contrapuntal contrariness contrariwise contrary contributive contrite contriteness contrapuntist contrasty contredanse Contreras contrabandist contriver contrafagotto counterattack