Contraction
Definition 1 of 4

Physical Change
Contraction refers to a physical decrease in size or length, often due to temperature changes.

The bridge has expansion joints to allow for contraction in winter.
Observable Effect
Observe contraction through changes like a balloon shrinking when cooled.

My sweater suffered contraction after being washed in hot water.
Compare with
compressionconstrictionnarrowreduceshortenshrinkage
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