contraction

a shortened form of a word or phrase, such as 'don't' for 'do not'

contracción (lingüística)

• a contraction of

Collocations contracted form · word contraction

• 'Can't' is a contraction of 'cannot'.

  'No puedo' es una contracción de 'no puede'.

the process in which the muscles of the womb become tight and then relax during childbirth or a miscarriage

contracción (fisiológica)

• a contraction

Collocations uterine contractions · labor contractions

• She felt a sudden, sharp pain as the first contraction began.

  Sintió un dolor agudo repentino cuando comenzó la primera contracción.

a decrease in size or volume, especially when caused by a change in temperature

contracción (física)

• a contraction of

Collocations thermal contraction · volume contraction

• The metal rod showed a slight contraction when cooled.

  La varilla de metal mostró una ligera contracción al enfriarse.

to make something smaller or shorter, especially by squeezing it

contraerse, comprimir

• [intransitive], [T + obj]

Collocations contract muscles · contract a muscle

• He contracted his lips into a thin line.

  Contrajo sus labios en una línea fina.

to agree officially to do something, especially by signing an agreement or contract

firmar un contrato, comprometerse

• [transitive], [T + obj]

Collocations contract a job · contract work

• The company contracted the firm to build an office block.

  La empresa contrató a la firma para construir un edificio de oficinas.

to become infected with a disease, especially one that is common and spreads easily from person to person

contraerse (enfermedad)

• [intransitive], [T + obj]

Collocations contract a disease · contract an illness

• She contracted malaria while working in Africa.

  Contrajo malaria mientras trabajaba en África.

to make a legal agreement with someone, especially to do work for them or buy something from them

firmar un contrato, comprometerse

• [transitive], [T + obj]

Collocations contract a service · contract goods

• The company contracted with the government to supply food.

  La empresa contrató con el gobierno para suministrar alimentos.

to become smaller or shorter, especially because of a change in temperature or humidity

encogerse, contraerse

• [intransitive], [T + obj]

Collocations shrink fabric · fabric shrinkage

• The sweater shrank in the wash.

  El suéter se encogió al lavarlo.