Main Entry: con·trac·tion

Pronunciation: \kən-ˈtrak-shən\

Function: noun

Date: 15th century

1 a : the action or process of contracting : the state of being contracted b : the shortening and thickening of a functioning muscle or muscle fiber c : a reduction in business activity or growth
2 : a shortening of a word, syllable, or word group by omission of a sound or letter; also : a form produced by such shortening

— con·trac·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\ adjective

— con·trac·tive \kən-ˈtrak-tiv, ˈkän-ˌ\ adjective

— con·trac·tion·ary \kən-ˈtrak-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective