Contractive: meaning, definitions and examples
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contractive
[ kənˈtræktɪv ]
general use
Contractive describes something that causes or relates to contraction or reduction in size or volume. It is often used in scientific or medical contexts, particularly when discussing muscles or materials that shrink under specific conditions.
Synonyms
diminutive, reductive, shrinking.
Examples of usage
- The contractive muscles help in digestion.
- The material is contractive when exposed to cold temperatures.
- She noted the contractive nature of the fabric after washing.
Translations
Translations of the word "contractive" in other languages:
🇵🇹 contractivo
🇮🇳 संविदात्मक
🇩🇪 kontraktiv
🇮🇩 kontraktif
🇺🇦 контрактний
🇵🇱 kontraktowy
🇯🇵 収縮性の
🇫🇷 contractif
🇪🇸 contractivo
🇹🇷 sözleşmeli
🇰🇷 계약의
🇸🇦 تعاقدي
🇨🇿 kontraktivní
🇸🇰 kontraktívny
🇨🇳 收缩的
🇸🇮 kontraktiven
🇮🇸 samningsbundinn
🇰🇿 шартты
🇬🇪 კონტრაქტული
🇦🇿 müqaviləli
🇲🇽 contractivo
Etymology
The term 'contractive' is derived from the Latin word 'contractus', meaning 'to draw together'. This Latin word comes from the verb 'contrahere', which means 'to pull together or draw tight'. The suffix '-ive' is used in English to form adjectives that suggest a tendency or capability. The use of 'contractive' in the English language began to gain traction in the 17th century and has been primarily associated with scientific discourse, particularly in physiology and material science, where the concept of contraction plays a crucial role in understanding various phenomena. Its application has expanded over time, allowing for more metaphorical uses in literature and psychology, where it can describe behaviors or attitudes that lead to withdrawal or reduction in engagement, reflecting the dynamic nature of language and its adaptability to new contexts.