contraction

noun

con·​trac·​tion kən-ˈtrak-shən 

1

a

: the action or process of contracting

The hot metal undergoes contraction as it cools.

: 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

d

: the act of acquiring or incurring (something, such as a debt) or catching (something, such as an infection)

contraction of pneumonia

2

: a shortening of a word, syllable, or word group by omission of a sound or letter

also : a form produced by such shortening

"They'll" is a contraction for "they will."

contractional

kən-ˈtrak-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

contractive

kən-ˈtrak-tiv  ˈkän-ˌtrak- 

adjective

contractionary

kən-ˈtrak-shə-ˌner-ē 

adjective

Synonyms

• compacting
• compaction
• compression
• condensation
• condensing
• constricting
• constriction
• contracting
• squeeze
• squeezing
• telescoping

Examples of contraction in a Sentence

The hot metal undergoes contraction as it cools.

Two teams were eliminated in the contraction of the baseball league.

She felt contractions every two minutes.

Recent Examples on the Web

Hiring and investment crest and fall into a contraction as consumer confidence wanes and spending craters. —Talmon Joseph Smith, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2024

Stimulant laxatives: These products are generally recommended as shorter-term treatments for constipation due to their more aggressive nature in the colon (promote contractions), which may cause cramping or diarrhea in sensitive individuals or when taken in too large of a dose. —Suzanne Finkel, Verywell Health, 25 Mar. 2024

The Purchasing Managers’ Index showed a slight increase to 49.9 in March, driven by expansion in the services sector, but remained below the 50 mark that separates contraction from growth. —Krystal Hur, CNN, 22 Mar. 2024

She was given mifepristone to soften her cervix, then misoprostol to soften and dilate her cervix, and Pitocin to begin contractions. —Jessica Van Egeren, Journal Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2024

Immigration, in fact, is making the difference between many states’ population growth and contraction. —Simon Montlake, The Christian Science Monitor, 28 Mar. 2024

In the post-Peak TV era of contraction, overall deals have become harder to come by and the price tag — even for prolific producers — has come down considerably. —Lesley Goldberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Mar. 2024

Stimulant laxatives: Increase contractions of the inner intestinal lining, which speeds up the movement of stool through the colon. —Suzanne Finkel, Verywell Health, 25 Mar. 2024

Also, in active labor, contractions are about three to five minutes apart. —Nicole Harris, Parents, 14 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see contract entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Video

On Contractions of Multiple Words

You all would not have guessed some of these

Kids Definition

contraction

noun

con·​trac·​tion kən-ˈtrak-shən 

1

a

: the act or process of contracting : the state of being contracted

b

: the shortening and thickening of a working muscle or muscle fiber

2

a

: a shortening of a word, syllable, or word group by leaving out a sound or letter

b

: a form (as don't or they've) produced by such shortening

Medical Definition

contraction

noun

con·​trac·​tion kən-ˈtrak-shən 

1

: the action or process of contracting : the state of being contracted

contraction of hepatitis

lung expansion and contraction in breathing

—P. G. Donohue

2

: the action of a functioning muscle or muscle fiber in which force is generated accompanied especially by shortening and thickening of the muscle or muscle fiber or sometimes by its lengthening

isometric contraction

isotonic contraction

especially : the shortening and thickening of a functioning muscle or muscle fiber

3

: one of usually a series of rhythmic tightening actions of the uterine muscles (as during menstruation or labor)