contraction
Translation
contraction, shortening, cramp
Examples
The contraction of the muscle is powerful.
The contraction of the muscle is powerful.
'Don't' is a contraction of 'do not'.
'Don't' is a contraction of 'do not'.
The economy is showing signs of contraction.
The economy is showing signs of contraction.
She started having contractions every five minutes.
She started having contractions every five minutes.
Grammar Patterns
((countable/uncountable)) the process of becoming smaller. The contraction of the muscle is powerful.
((countable)) a short form of a word or words. 'Don't' is a contraction of 'do not'.
((countable, usually plural)) a strong, painful movement of a muscle in the womb during birth. She started having contractions every five minutes.
Similar Words
Etymology
From Latin 'contrahere' (to draw together). The '-tion' suffix forms a noun indicating an action or state.
Memory Tips
Think of things being 'drawn together' or made smaller: muscles tightening, words being shortened, or an economy shrinking.