contraction
UK/kən'trækʃən/US/kәn'trækʃәn/
TOEFLB2
Definitions
n.
The process of becoming smaller or pulling inward
收缩；缩小
n.
A tightening of a muscle, especially during labor
肌肉收缩（尤指分娩时的宫缩）
n.
A shortened form of a word or words, like don't or it's
缩略词（如 don't、it's）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcon- (together) + tract (pull) + -ion (act) = 'a pulling together.' Whatever contracts is being pulled inward: a muscle shortens, an economy shrinks, and a contraction like don't pulls two words together into one.
Root tra still carries 109 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.muscle contraction肌肉收缩
- 2.economic contraction经济收缩
- 3.labor contractions分娩宫缩
Example Sentences
- 1.
The contractions were five minutes apart by midnight.
- 2.
An economic contraction usually means rising unemployment.
- 3.
In formal essays, avoid contractions like "can't" or "won't".