contraction

1. Senses relating to becoming involved with or entering into, especially entering into a contract.archaiccountableuncountable

2. Senses relating to becoming involved with or entering into, especially entering into a contract.Examples: "the contraction of malaria"; "Railway workers were therefore a perfect subject for research, given the varied roles they undertook. If infection was greatest among the non-public-facing staff, it would suggest – given most worked outside – that contraction was caused by something found in the "atmosphere at large". If affliction was higher among the indoor and public-facing staff, it would suggest that human contact was the cause. And it was the latter point that was proven."Synonyms: acquiring, catchingcountableuncountable

3. Senses relating to pulling together or shortening.Synonyms: condensation, epitomeAntonyms: dilatation, dilation, expansionarchaiccountableobsoleteuncountable

4. Senses relating to pulling together or shortening.Antonyms: dilatation, dilation, expansioncountableuncountable

5. Senses relating to pulling together or shortening.Examples: "Though occasionally a “flatliner” can be revived with a defib, it is most commonly used to change the uncoordinated contractions of the heart (fibrillation) into a normal sinus rhythm—that is, to defibrillate the heart."Antonyms: dilatation, dilation, expansioncountableuncountable

6. Senses relating to pulling together or shortening.Examples: "The country’s economic contraction was caused by high oil prices."Antonyms: dilatation, dilation, expansioncountableuncountable