contraction

noun

1. (physiology) a shortening or tensing of a part or organ (especially of a muscle or muscle fiber)

   noun.act

   Synonyms muscle contraction muscular contraction

   Source: WordNet 3.0

2. the process or result of becoming smaller or pressed together

   noun.event

   Examples

   The contraction of a gas on cooling.

   Synonyms compression condensation

   Source: WordNet 3.0

3. a word formed from two or more words by omitting or combining some sounds

   noun.communication

   Examples

   `won't' is a contraction of `will not'.

   `o'clock' is a contraction of `of the clock'.

   Source: WordNet 3.0

4. the act of decreasing (something) in size or volume or quantity or scope

   noun.act

   Antonyms enlargement expansion

   Source: WordNet 3.0

5. The act or process of contracting, shortening, or shrinking; the state of being contracted; as, <i>contraction</i> of the heart, of the pupil of the eye, or of a tendon; the <i>contraction</i> produced by cold.

   noun

   Source: webster1913