Definitions of contraction:
- noun: the act of decreasing (something) in size or volume or quantity or scope
- noun: (physiology) a shortening or tensing of a part or organ (especially of a muscle or muscle fiber)
- noun: a word formed from two or more words by omitting or combining some sounds
Example: "`won't' is a contraction of `will not'"
- noun: the process or result of becoming smaller or pressed together
Example: "The contraction of a gas on cooling"