contraction

Noun

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

• 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'
    

• the process or result of becoming smaller or pressed together
  • the contraction of a gas on cooling
    

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

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  compression , condensation , muscular contraction , muscle contraction
• Antonyms: 
  expansion , enlargement