A reversible reduction in size. / (economics) A period of economic decline or negative growth. / (biology) A shortening of a muscle during its use.

plural of contraction

of or related to contraction

plural of contracting

(historical) The purchase of agricultural produce by the Soviet government from an individual farmer or collective.

plural of contractivity

plural of contracter

present participle of contract

Getting smaller; drawing itself together into a smaller area.

The act of something that contracts or shrinks; contraction. / Work done on a contract basis.