n.
Pronunciation: k ə n- ' trak-sh ə n
Function: noun
Date: 15th century
1 a : the action or process of contracting : the state of being contracted b : the shortening and thickening of a functioning muscle or muscle fiber c : a reduction in business activity or growth
2 : a shortening of a word, syllable, or word group by omission of a sound or letter also : a form produced by such shortening
– con · trac · tion · al \ -shn ə l, -sh ə -n ə l \ adjective
– con · trac · tive \ k ə n- ' trak-tiv, ' kän- ˌ \ adjective
– con · trac · tion · ary \ k ə n- ' trak-sh ə - ˌ ner- ē \ adjective