Contraction - Definition

n 1: (physiology) a shortening or tensing of a part or organ
(especially of a muscle or muscle fiber) [syn:
contraction, muscular contraction, muscle
contraction]
2: the process or result of becoming smaller or pressed
together; "the contraction of a gas on cooling" [syn:
compression, condensation, contraction]
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, expansion]