-kij, -kēj noun
( -s )
1. : the act or process of shrinking: as
a. : the contraction of metal when cooled
b. : the reduction in volume of excavated earth when compacted in the fill
c. : the loss in weight of livestock during shipment and in the process of preparing the meat for consumption
d. : the loss in weight of meat during cooking
e. : dry shrinkage
f. : reduction in number or value
a deplorable shrinkage in the number of qualified teachers — Douglas Bush
a shrinkage in the public budget will depress … economic activity — R.A.Musgrave
2. : the amount of contraction, reduction or depreciation
suffered a 10 5 shrinkage in transit