a short way to write two words as one by writing the two words together, leaving out one or more letters and replacing the missing letters by an apostrophe (cannot = cant)
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'"
A decrease in size due to a temperature change It should not be confused with shrinkage, which is a non-reversible occurrence Contraction is reversible with a reverse in the temperature change As a piece of ceramics heats and cools, it expands and contracts The rate of expansion and contraction of a glaze must be compatible with that of the claybody, otherwise flaking off or separation of the glaze may occur In pottery, this should be a concern when considering glaze fit and ovenware See also glaze fit, ovenware, shrinkage
The shortening and lengthening of a muscle that occurs while performing an exercise
Something contracted or abbreviated, as a word or phrase; as, plenipo for plenipotentiary; crim