Contraction
 

contraction
noun1.(physiology) a shortening or tensing of a part or organ (especially of a muscle or muscle fiber)2.the process or result of becoming smaller or pressed together; "the contraction of a gas on cooling"[syn: compression]3.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'"4.the act of decreasing (something) in size or volume or quantity or scope[ant: enlargement]