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

Category: General

2.Definition: 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'"

Category: General

3.Definition: the act of decreasing (something) in size or volume or quantity or scope

Category: General

4.Definition: the process or result of becoming smaller or pressed together

"The contraction of a gas on cooling"

Related Noun(s):compression, condensation

Category: General