#1
contraction n. [
muscular contraction, muscle contraction] (physiology) a shortening or tensing of a part or organ (especially of a muscle or muscle fiber)
. wn #2
contraction n. [
compression, condensation] the process or result of becoming smaller or pressed together; "the contraction of a gas on cooling"
. wn #3
contraction n. 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'"
. wn #4
contraction n. the act of decreasing (something) in size or volume or quantity or scope
. wn