n. 25B6; noun
the contraction of the industry : SHRINKING, shrinkage, decline, decrease, diminution, dwindling.
the contraction of muscles : TIGHTENING, tensing, flexing.
my contractions started at midnight : LABOUR PAINS, labour; cramps; poetic/literary travail.
goodbye is a contraction of God be with you : ABBREVIATION, short form, shortened form, elision, diminutive.