Meaning of 'contraction'

noun

the act of decreasing (something) in size or volume or quantity or scope

noun

(physiology) a shortening or tensing of a part or organ (especially of a muscle or muscle fiber)

Synonyms: muscular contraction

noun

a word formed from two or more words by omitting or combining some sounds

Example: "`won't' is a contraction of `will not'"

noun

the process or result of becoming smaller or pressed together

Example: "the contraction of a gas on cooling"

Synonyms: compression