Capable of contracting, or of being contracted.

A form of light microscopy in which small differences in refractive index of a transparent specimen are converted into amplitude (contrast) differences in the final image.

(construction, engineering) A contractor hired to manage a project and to hire subcontractors. (If a customer serves as their own general contractor then this means they undertake the management tasks and the hiring of subcontractors.)

(conjunctive) Opposite of what had earlier been expected or assumed.

Containing multiple claims or ideas that are inherently in disagreement; of something or someone that contradicts itself

(linguistics) An etymological phenomenon when a new word or slang term develops from shortening and slightly altering a longer word.

In a contrary manner; in opposite ways or directions.

Of, relating to, or enforced by a contract.

The largest musical instrument in the clarinet family, sounding two octaves below the soprano clarinet.

A person who contracts to kill a specified person for an agreed sum of money.