Synonyms for contraction

Noun

1. contraction, muscular contraction, muscle contraction, shortening

usage: (physiology) a shortening or tensing of a part or organ (especially of a muscle or muscle fiber)

2. compression, condensation, contraction, shrinking, shrinkage

usage: the process or result of becoming smaller or pressed together; "the contraction of a gas on cooling"

3. contraction, word

usage: a word formed from two or more words by omitting or combining some sounds; "`won't' is a contraction of `will not'"; "`o'clock' is a contraction of `of the clock'"

4. contraction, decrease, diminution, reduction, step-down

usage: the act of decreasing (something) in size or volume or quantity or scope