Definition of "contraction"
contraction
/kənˈtɹækʃn̩/
noun
countable and uncountable, plural contractions
Senses relating to pulling together or shortening.
A (sometimes reversible) contracting or reduction in length, scope, size, or volume; a narrowing, a shortening, a shrinking.
(archaic or obsolete) An abridgement or shortening of writing, etc.; an abstract, a summary; also (uncountable), brevity, conciseness.