contraction

The definition of contraction is the lengthening or shortening of a muscle fiber or a word formed by combining the sounds of two longer words.

(noun)

An example of a contraction is the action of the uterus during the birth process.
An example of a contraction is the word doesn't from does not.

See contraction in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a contracting or being contracted
the shortening and thickening of a muscle fiber or a muscle in action, esp. of the uterus during labor
Gram.
1. the shortening of a word or phrase by the omission of one or more sounds or letters
2. a word form resulting from this (Ex.: she's for she is, aren't for are not)
Econ. a period of decrease in business activity

Origin: ME contraccioun < OFr contraction < L contractio

Related Forms:

See contraction in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

The act of contracting or the state of being contracted.
a. A word, as won't from will not, or phrase, as o'clock from of the clock, formed by omitting or combining some of the sounds of a longer phrase.
b. The formation of such a word.
Physiology The shortening and thickening of functioning muscle or muscle fiber.
A period of decreased business activity.