contraction

(kon-trak's hun) [L. contractio; contra here, to draw together.] i. A shortening, noting A the normal function of muscular ti ue. 2. more or le permanent shortening of a muscle. 3. momentary clo's ure c. (ACC or AnCC), the c. of a muscle under the influence of the positive pole when the electrical circuit is established. an'odal o'pening c. (AOC or AnOC), the momentary c. of a muscle under the influence of the positive pole when the circuit is broken carpoped'al c, carpopedal* spasm, cath'odal