the act of decreasing (something) in size or volume or quantity or scope
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 process or result of becoming smaller or pressed together "the contraction of a gas on cooling"
(physiology) a shortening or tensing of a part or organ (especially of a muscle or muscle fiber) - muscular contraction- muscle contraction