contraction
Translation
contraction, shortening, shrinking
Examples
She felt the first contraction during the night.
She felt the first contraction during the night.
'Can't' is a contraction of 'cannot'.
'Can't' is a contraction of 'cannot'.
The economy is showing signs of contraction.
The economy is showing signs of contraction.
Grammar Patterns
a contraction of ((sth.)) 'It's' is a contraction of 'it is'.
to have/feel a contraction She is having contractions every five minutes.
Similar Words
Synonyms: shortening, tightening, shrinking; Antonyms: expansion, relaxation
Etymology
From Latin 'con-' (together) + 'trahere' (to pull). It means 'a pulling together'.
Memory Tips
Think of a muscle 'contracting' or pulling together. Or two words like 'do not' being pulled together to form 'don't'.