Becoming smaller or shorter; also, making a formal business agreement or deal with someone.
From Latin 'contractus' (past participle of 'contrahere'), meaning to draw together; 'contra-' (against) + 'trahere' (to draw), literally meaning to pull together.
Muscles work by contracting—they can only pull, never push. This is why you need opposing muscle pairs like biceps and triceps; contraction in one causes movement while the other relaxes.
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