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   con·trac·tion

   /kənˈtrakSH(ə)n/

   noun

   • 1. the process of becoming smaller: "the general contraction of the industry did further damage to morale" Similar shrinkingreduction in sizeshrinkagedeclinedecreasediminutiondwindlingdowntickOpposite expansiongrowth
   • ▪ the process in which a muscle becomes or is made shorter and tighter: "neurons control the contraction of muscles" Similar tighteningtensingflexingconstrictingspasmconvulsionclenchmyoclonushippusOpposite relaxation
   • ▪ a shortening of the uterine muscles occurring at intervals before and during childbirth: "she was now in no doubt that she was having contractions" Similar labor painslaborBraxton Hicks contractionscrampsarchaic:travail
   • ▪ the process of shortening a word by combination or elision.
   • ▪ a word or group of words resulting from shortening an original form: "“goodbye” is a contraction of “God be with you.”" Similar abbreviationshort formshortened formelisiondiminutivetechnical:crasissyneresisOpposite expansion

   Word Origin late Middle English: via Old French from Latin contractio(n-), from contrahere ‘draw together’ (see contract).

   Scrabble Points: 15

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