As a Noun: 1. A CONTRACTION is a very strong, painful tightening of the muscles of the womb. When a woman is about to give birth she has contractions. Note: 1. There appears to be no commonly used Auslan sign for CONTRACTION. If you know a sign for CONTRACTION used by you or other Auslan users (deaf people or interpreters) please go to "missing sign feedback" and supply details. Thank you.