contraction

The process or result of becoming smaller or pressed together.

“the contraction of a gas on cooling”

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

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.