contraction (B1)
noun
Pronunciation: /kənˈtrækʃən/
Definition
The process of becoming smaller or shorter, or a period when something becomes smaller or shorter.
Examples
The knitting of the fabric resulted in a slight contraction after washing.
The economic contraction of the past year has led to widespread job losses.
She felt the first mild contraction of her uterus during pregnancy.
How to Use contraction
- contraction of (prepositional phrase)
- The process of making something shorter or smaller, or a shortened form, involving a specific element. — "The contraction of 'cannot' into 'can't' is a common linguistic process."
- economic contraction (collocation)
- A period when a country's economy shrinks or becomes smaller. — "The recession led to a significant economic contraction."
- muscle contraction (collocation)
- The shortening or tightening of a muscle. — "The athlete suffered from a painful muscle contraction."
Synonyms of contraction
Words with a similar meaning to contraction:
Antonyms of contraction
Words with the opposite meaning to contraction:
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