the act of decreasing (something) in size or volume or quantity or scope
(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'"
a contestant who meets certain requirements and so qualifies to take part in the next stage of competition; "the tournament was won by a late qualifier"
without question; "easily the best book she's written"
with ease (`easy' is sometimes used informally for `easily'); "she was easily excited"; "was easily confused"; "he won easily"; "this china breaks very easily"; "success came too easy"