contraction

(physiology) a shortening or tensing of a part or organ (especially of a muscle or muscle fiber)

the process or result of becoming smaller or pressed together; "the contraction of a gas on cooling"

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'"

the act of decreasing (something) in size or volume or quantity or scope