Contraction (noun)

1. The act or process of becoming smaller or shorter.
2. A shortened form of a word or phrase, such as can't for cannot.
3. A muscular tightening or shortening, as in childbirth.

Origin:

From latin contractionem ('a shortening'), from contrahere ('to draw together'), from con ('with, together') + trahere ('to draw').

Examples:

1. The contraction of the balloon made it smaller and easier to carry.
2. He used contractions like don't and won't in his writing.
3. The woman screamed in pain during each contraction.
4. The economy experienced a contraction due to the pandemic.
5. I can't believe she's leaving tomorrow.