contraction Definition

1. The process of contracting or state of being contracted.
2. A decrease in length, size or volume.
3. A tightening of the muscles caused by a shortening in length of the muscle fibres.
4. The regular painful spasms of the muscles of the uterus that occur during labour.

Form: contractions
5. A shortened form of a word or phrase which includes at least the last letter of the word or phrase.

Example: ‘Aren't' is a contraction of ‘are not'