contraction

 
Pronunciation: /kənˈtrakʃ(ə)n/

noun

[mass noun]
  • the process of becoming smaller: the general contraction of the industry did further damage to morale [count noun]: the manufacturing sector suffered a severe contraction
  • the process in which a muscle becomes or is made shorter and tighter: neurons control the contraction of muscles
  • [count noun] (usually contractions) a shortening of the uterine muscles occurring at intervals before and during childbirth: she was now in no doubt that she was having contractions
  • the process of shortening a word by combination or elision.
  • [count noun] a word or group of words resulting from shortening an original form: ‘goodbye’ is a contraction of ‘God be with you’

Origin:

late Middle English: via Old French from Latin contractio(n-), from contrahere 'draw together' (see contract)