the fact of something becoming smaller or shorter

Cold causes contraction of the metal. 金属遇冷收缩。

The contraction of this muscle raises the lower arm. 这块肌肉收缩使下臂抬起。

the fact of becoming less in amount or quantity

the contraction of economic output 经济产出的缩减

one of the very strong and usually painful movements of the muscles in the womb that help to push the baby out of the mother's body during the process of birth

She was having regular strong contractions every four minutes. 她每4分钟有规律地强烈宫缩1次。

a short form of a word or combination of words that is often used instead of the full form in spoken English

"Won't" is a contraction of "will not". won't 是 will not 的缩略形式。