contraction meaning and definition

CONTRACTION noun

Definition of contraction (noun)

1. (physiology) a shortening or tensing of a part or organ (especially of a muscle or muscle fiber)
   • synonyms: muscle contraction, muscular contraction
2. the process or result of becoming smaller or pressed together
   • "the contraction of a gas on cooling"
   • synonyms: 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
   • antonym: enlargement