contraction

con·trac·tion

noun \kən-ˈtrak-shən\

Definition of CONTRACTION

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

Examples of CONTRACTION

1. The hot metal undergoes contraction as it cools.
2. Two teams were eliminated in the contraction of the baseball league.
3. She felt contractions every two minutes.
4. The word don't is a contraction of do not.

First Known Use of CONTRACTION

15th century

Related to CONTRACTION

Synonyms: compacting, compaction, condensation, condensing, constricting, constriction, contracting, compression, squeeze, squeezing, telescoping

Antonyms: decompression, expansion

Related Words: abbreviation, abridgment (or abridgement), curtailment, shortening; concentration, consolidation; simplification, streamlining; decreasing, diminishment, lessening

Near Antonyms: dilation, dispersion, dissipation, scattering; distension (or distention), inflation, swelling

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Rhymes with CONTRACTION

abstraction, attraction, bolt-action, class action, compaction, cross action, detraction, diffraction, distraction, exaction, extraction, impaction, inaction, infraction, job action, live-action, olfaction, protraction, reaction, redaction, refraction, retraction, stop-action, subtraction, transaction