Main entry: contraction
Definition: the act of decreasing (something) in size or volume or quantity or scope
Main entry: muscle contraction, muscular contraction, contraction
Definition: (physiology) a shortening or tensing of a part or organ (especially of a muscle or muscle fiber)
Main entry: contraction
Definition: a word formed from two or more words by omitting or combining some sounds
Usage: `won't' is a contraction of `will not'; `o'clock' is a contraction of `of the clock'
Main entry: compression, condensation, contraction
Definition: the process or result of becoming smaller or pressed together
Usage: the contraction of a gas on cooling