contraction
(noun)
noun
1. (physiology) a shortening or tensing of a part or organ (especially of a muscle or muscle fiber)
Definition categories: act, shortening
2. the process or result of becoming smaller or pressed together
- the contraction of a gas on cooling
Similar word(s): compression, condensation
Definition categories: event, shrinkage, shrinking
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'
Definition categories: communication, word
4. the act of decreasing (something) in size or volume or quantity or scope
Definition categories: act, decrease, diminution, reduction
Sentences with contraction as a noun:
- The country's economic contraction was caused by high oil prices.
- In English didn't, that's, and wanna, the endings -n't, -'s, and -a arose by contraction.
- "Don't" is a contraction of "do not."
- The contraction of AIDS from toilet seats is extremely rare.
- Our contraction of debt in this quarter has reduced our ability to attract investors.