contraction

(n) (physiology) a shortening or tensing of a part or organ (especially of a muscle or muscle fiber) muscle contraction, muscular contraction,
(n) the process or result of becoming smaller or pressed together
- the contraction of a gas on cooling
compression, condensation,
(n) 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"
(n) the act of decreasing (something) in size or volume or quantity or scope

muscle contraction muscular contraction compression condensation

enlargement expansion

contractile contracting