| 1. |
(noun) (physiology) a shortening or tensing of a part or organ (especially of a muscle or muscle fiber) |
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Related Words: contracture, shortening, uterine contraction |
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Antonyms: extension |
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| 2. |
(noun) a word formed from two or more words by omitting or combining some sounds: "won't" from "will not"; "o'clock" from "of the clock" |
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Related Words: word |
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| 3. |
(noun) the process or result of becoming smaller or pressed together: "the contraction of a gas on cooling" |
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Synonyms: compression, condensation |
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Related Words: shrinkage, shrinking |
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