contraction
pronunciation
How to pronounce contraction in British English:
UK [kənˈtrækʃn]
How to pronounce contraction in American English:
US [kənˈtrækʃən]
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- Noun:
- (physiology) a shortening or tensing of a part or organ (especially of a muscle or muscle fiber)
- the process or result of becoming smaller or pressed together
- a word formed from two or more words by omitting or combining some sounds
- the act of decreasing (something) in size or volume or quantity or scope
Word Origin
- contraction (n.)
- late 14c., "action of making a contract" (especially of marriage), also "action of shrinking or shortening," from Old French contraction (13c.), or directly from Latin contractionem (nominative contractio), noun of action from past participle stem of contrahere (see contract (n.)). Meaning "action of acquiring (a disease) is from c. 1600. Grammatical sense is from 1706; meaning "a contracted word or words" is from 1755. Contractions of the uterus in labor of childbirth attested from 1962.
Synonym
shortage summarization abbreviation brief synopsis digest abstraction compendium abridgment precis
cut pinching curtailing constriction retrenchment astringency abridging condensing digesting diminishing decrease condensation withering shrinkage cramping clipping tightening shortening squeezing constricting reduction recession narrowing constringency decreasing compression abbreviating curtailment retrenching astringing
Antonym
Example
- 1. A figure below 50 indicates a contraction in activity .
- 2. But this collectively huge fiscal contraction is self-defeating .
- 3. The rapidity of the current contraction means governments must do more .
- 4. Total credit contraction may eventually be much greater .
- 5. A reading below 50 indicates economic contraction .