contraction
noun
Definitions of contraction noun
reduction
- Uncountable
the process or result of something becoming smaller or shorter.
Metals undergo contraction when they cool.
The shortening of the muscle facilitates the raising of the arm.
The material experienced contraction due to the change in temperature.
- Uncountable
the process or instance of becoming less in size or quantity.
The contraction of economic activity led to a rise in unemployment.
The government attempted to slow the contraction of credit through policy interventions.
The contraction of the market had a severe impact on small businesses.
muscle
- CountableUncountable
a strong and often painful tightening of the muscles in the womb during childbirth that helps to deliver the baby.
During labor, the contractions became more frequent and intense.
The doctor monitored the frequency of the mother's contractions.
Regular contractions indicate the onset of labor.
word
- CountableUncountable
a shortened form of a word or phrase commonly used in spoken English.
"Isn't" is a contraction of "is not".
"I'm" is a contraction of "I am".
The use of contractions is common in informal writing.