Definition of Contraction
Contraction
con·trac·tion
Definition/Meaning
(noun)
A reduction in size or amount, or a shortened form of a word or phrase.
e.g. The contraction in the economy led to widespread layoffs.
(noun)
the action or process of a muscle tightening and becoming shorter and thicker, especially in the muscles of the uterus before and during the process of childbirth;
e.g. The contraction of muscles in your upper arm allows you to bend your elbow. She experienced another contraction while waiting for the doctor.
(noun)
the action of combining or altering syllables, words, and/or groups of words to create a shortened form, or the shortened form thus obtained from words;
e.g. You are more likely to use a contraction like "can't" instead of its full form "cannot" in casual conversation or an informal message.
(noun)
the action of catching (contracting) something like a disease or acquiring (contracting) something like a debt;
e.g. Since her contraction of the illness, she has barely been able to walk on her own.
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