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Shrunken Meaning: Definition and Examples

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shrunken

[ΚƒrΚŒΕ‹kΙ™n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

size reduction

Shrunken refers to something that has decreased in size, typically due to drying or compression. It can describe anything from clothing that has shrunk in the wash to body parts that appear smaller due to illness or aging. The term often conveys a sense of loss or diminishment, emphasizing how the subject has transformed into a lesser state. In a more abstract sense, it can be used to denote a reduction in importance or significance.

Synonyms

compressed, contracted, diminished, reduced.

Examples of usage

  • The shrunken sweater no longer fits me.
  • The apple had a shrunken appearance after being left out.
  • His shrunken confidence was evident during the presentation.
  • After the drought, the pond was shrunken significantly.

Interesting Facts

Cultural References

  • In literature, 'shrunken heads' were used by tribes in the Amazon as trophies, highlighting a practice of head shrinking as a means of warfare.
  • Films like 'Honey, I Shrunk the Kids!' popularized the concept of shrinking in storytelling, leading to comedic and adventurous narratives.

Science

  • In biology, cells can shrink (a phenomenon called 'crenation') when placed in a hypertonic solution, illustrating how size can change at a microscopic level.
  • Certain environmental factors, such as heat, can cause materials or items to shrink, demonstrating both physical reactions and practical implications in everyday life.

Psychology

  • The perception of shrunken things can invoke feelings related to loss or nostalgia, affecting emotional responses in individuals.
  • In certain visual experiments, objects perceived as shrunken can trick our brains into thinking they’re farther away, impacting depth perception.

Literature

  • Many classic fairy tales involve transformations where characters or objects shrink, symbolizing loss of power or change in circumstances.
  • In Lewis Carroll's 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland,' Alice experiences various sizes, including shrinking, which represents exploration and identity.

Origin of 'shrunken'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Old English 'scrincan,' which means to shrink or wither.
  • Related forms of the word showcase a connection with different states of reduction, like 'shrink' and 'shrinkage.'

The term 'shrunken' is derived from the verb 'shrink', which has Old English origins. The root 'screcan' in Old English meant 'to shriek or to make a noise', a word that has evolved over time. By the 16th century, the term began to take on its current meaning of becoming smaller or reduced in size. As the language developed, 'shrink' and its derivative forms became commonplace in describing physical changes, particularly in textiles and organic materials. Over the years, shrunken has been adopted into various contexts, from fashion to psychology, symbolizing more than just physical size but also emotional or cognitive diminishment.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,418, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.