Contractible

/kənˈtræktɪbəl/ adjective

Definition

Able to be contracted or reduced; capable of shrinking, shortening, or being drawn together.

Etymology

From 'contract' + '-ible' (capable of). In mathematics and topology, contractible refers to spaces that can be continuously shrunk to a point.

Kelly Says

In topology, a coffee cup and a donut are considered the same shape because both are contractible to the same basic form—mind-blowing mathematical thinking!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.