contraction
contraction Lexical Profile
contraction Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The process of becoming smaller, shorter, or narrower in size, volume, or extent.
"The bridge includes special joints to accommodate the expansion and contraction of the steel during seasonal temperature changes."
A shortened form of a word or group of words created by omitting internal letters or sounds and typically replacing them with an apostrophe.
"In formal academic essays, writers are often advised to avoid using contractions such as "don't" or "can't"."
A tightening and shortening of a muscle, especially the rhythmic tightening of the uterine muscles during childbirth.
"When her contractions began occurring five minutes apart, they headed straight to the maternity ward."
A phase of the business cycle in which the economy as a whole is in decline.
"Rising interest rates led to a sharp contraction in the housing market over the third quarter."
• Rhymes for contraction
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century via Old French from Latin contractionem, a noun of action from the past participle stem of contrahere ('to draw together, tighten, or abridge').