(physiology) a shortening or tensing of a part or organ (especially of a muscle or muscle fiber)
[ Syn: muscular contraction , muscle contraction ]
the process or result of becoming smaller or pressed together; the contraction of a gas on cooling
[ Syn: compression , condensation ]
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''
the act of decreasing (something) in size or volume or quantity or scope