Synonyms: contraction
Definition: the act of decreasing (something) in size or volume or quantity or scope
Similar words: decrease, diminution, reduction, step-down
Definition: the act of decreasing or reducing something
Synonyms: muscle contraction, muscular contraction, contraction
Definition: (physiology) a shortening or tensing of a part or organ (especially of a muscle or muscle fiber)
Synonyms: 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'
Similar words: word
Definition: a unit of language that native speakers can identify
Usage: words are the blocks from which sentences are made; he hardly said ten words all morning
Synonyms: compression, condensation, contraction
Definition: the process or result of becoming smaller or pressed together
Usage: the contraction of a gas on cooling
Similar words: shrinkage, shrinking
Definition: process or result of becoming less or smaller
Usage: the material lost 2 inches per yard in shrinkage