Answer: contraction

AnswerCrossword Clue
CONTRACTIONBeginning of labor, and, in another sense, the beginning of each answer to a starred clue
contractionA word or group of words resulting from shortening an original form
contractionThe process in which a muscle becomes or is made shorter and tighter
contractionThe process of becoming smaller
contractionA shortening of the uterine muscles occurring at intervals before and during childbirth
contractionThe process of shortening a word by combination or elision
contractionthe act of contracting