Contraction (en. Contraction)

/kɔ̃tʁak.sjɔ̃/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
Action of contracting, reducing volume, or decreasing.
The contraction of muscles is essential for movement.
La contraction des muscles est essentielle pour le mouvement.
Shortening of a word or expression by removing certain letters.
English uses many contractions, such as 'don't' for 'do not'.
L'anglais utilise de nombreuses contractions, comme 'don't' pour 'do not'.
Reduction of space occupied by an object.
The contraction of metal due to heat is a physical property.
La contraction du métal sous l'effet de la chaleur est une propriété physique.

Etymology

From the Latin 'contractio', which means 'the action of drawing together'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

muscle contraction
Action of muscle contraction.
contraction musculaire
contraction of a term
Use of a shortened form of a word or phrase.
contraction d'un terme
contraction of time
Reduction of duration.
contraction du temps

Related Words

contract
Make smaller, reduce.
contracter
react
Respond to a stimulus, often by contracting.
réagir
compression
Action of compressing, which can lead to contraction.
compression

Slang Meanings

Contraction of common expressions in colloquial language.
In youth slang, 't'es où?' is a contraction of 'tu es où?'.
Dans le langage des jeunes, 't'es où?' est une contraction de 'tu es où?'.
Quick usage in informal conversations.
It's often said 'j'suis' instead of 'je suis'.
On dit souvent 'j'suis' au lieu de 'je suis'.