[con.trac.tion] n (15c) 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 adj -- con.trac.tive adj -- con.trac.tion.ary adj