contraction

noun
UK: /kənˈtrækʃən/
US: /kənˈtrækʃən/

  1. The process of becoming smaller or shorter.

    1. The metal experienced contraction as it cooled down.
    2. The contraction of the housing market led to lower property values.

  2. A shortening of a word or phrase by omitting letters, such as 'can't' from 'cannot'.

    1. "Isn't" is a common contraction of "is not".
    2. Students should avoid using contractions in formal academic writing.

  3. In childbirth, a periodic tightening of the muscles of the uterus.

    1. She felt the first contraction and knew labor had begun.
    2. The doctor monitored the strength and frequency of her contractions.

Synonyms

shortening abbreviation compression reduction

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "contraction" in English means: The process of becoming smaller or shorter., A shortening of a word or phrase by omitting letters, such as 'can't' from 'cannot'., In childbirth, a periodic tightening of the muscles of the uterus..

The phonetic transcription of "contraction" is /kənˈtrækʃən/ in British English and /kənˈtrækʃən/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "contraction": shortening, abbreviation, compression, reduction.

Example usage of "contraction": "The metal experienced contraction as it cooled down.". More examples on the page.