contraction

/kənˈtrækʃən/

/kənˈtrækʃən/

Other forms: contractions

A contraction is the act of decreasing the size of something or shortening it, or it can be the process of becoming smaller or compressed.

The two most well-known uses of contraction involve muscles and words. A contraction of the muscle tenses it or shortens it, like when you're standing in the mirror flexing and admiring yourself. On the other hand, a contraction can also be two words that are combined, with a few letters often replaced by an apostrophe, like when we change do and not into don't.

Definitions of contraction

1. noun

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

   expansion

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

   type of:

   decrease, diminution, reduction, step-down

   the act of decreasing or reducing something
2. noun

   the process or result of becoming smaller or pressed together
   “the contraction of a gas on cooling”

   synonyms: compression, condensation

   types:

   coarctation, constriction

   tight or narrow compression

   type of:

   shrinkage, shrinking

   the process or result of becoming less or smaller
3. noun

   (physiology) a shortening or tensing of a part or organ (especially of a muscle or muscle fiber)
   synonyms: muscle contraction, muscular contraction

   types:

   contracture

   an abnormal and usually permanent contraction of a muscle

   tetanus

   a sustained muscular contraction resulting from a rapid series of nerve impulses

   uterine contraction

   a rhythmic tightening in labor of the upper uterine musculature that contracts the size of the uterus and pushes the fetus toward the birth canal

   Braxton-Hicks contraction, false labor

   painless contractions of the muscles of the uterus that continue throughout pregnancy with increasing frequency

   vaginismus

   muscular contraction that causes the vagina to close; usually an anxiety reaction before coitus or pelvic examination

   type of:

   shortening

   act of decreasing in length
4. noun

   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'”

   type of:

   word

   a unit of language that native speakers can identify