What it means
The beginning of words for things joined or happening together. Congenital means present with birth, a contractionkun-TRAK-shunThe tightening and shortening of a muscle.Full entry is a drawing together of muscle, and to constrict is to draw tight together. Before b, m or p it often changes to com- (compress), and before l or r to col- or cor-.
Related terms
contraindication
A reason not to give a drug or do a treatment, because in that person it could cause harm.
contraction
The tightening and shortening of a muscle.