1. (physiology) a shortening or tensing of a part or organ (especially of a muscle or muscle fibre)
   - muscular contraction, muscle contraction 
2. The process or result of becoming smaller or pressed together
   "the contraction of a gas on cooling"
   - compression, condensation 
3. A word formed from two or more words by omitting or combining some sounds
   "'won't' is a contraction of 'will not'"; "'o'clock' is a contraction of 'of the clock'" 
4. The act of decreasing (something) in size or volume or quantity or scope

Derived forms: contractions

See also: contract

Type of: decrease, diminution, reduction, shortening, shrinkage, shrinking, step-down, word

Antonym: expansion

Encyclopedia: Contraction

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