1. Agreement: This is the most common meaning. It refers to a legally binding agreement between two or more parties, outlining their obligations and rights.
* Example: "The company signed a contract with a new supplier."
2. Reduction: This meaning refers to a shrinking or becoming smaller. This is often used in medical contexts or when talking about physical objects.
* Example: "The doctor noticed a contract in the patient's muscle tissue."
* Example: "The wood had undergone a contract due to the cold weather."
3. Shorthand for "contract bridge": This is a specific card game.
* Example: "They went to the club for an evening of contract."
To understand the meaning of "contract" in a specific sentence, pay attention to the surrounding words and the context.