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'"2つ以上の単語から、いくつかの音を省いたり、結びつけたりして作られた単語萎縮
例:`won't' is a contraction of `will not' 『won't』は『will not』の短縮である
the process or result of becoming smaller or pressed together; "the contraction of a gas on cooling"縮小や圧縮の過程や結果萎縮
例:The contraction of a gas on cooling. ガスの冷却収縮。
(physiology) a shortening or tensing of a part or organ (especially of a muscle or muscle fiber)(生理学)体の一部または器官(特に筋肉や筋肉繊維)の短縮や緊張筋収縮