| contraction stress test | A test used to evaluate foetal well-being by inducing contractions and analyzing the foetal heart rate response. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| contraction, uterine | The tightening and shortening of the uterine muscles. During labour, contractions accomplish two things: (1) they cause the cervix to thin and dilate (open); and (2) they aid the baby to descend into the birth canal. (12 Dec 1998) |
| contractual psychiatry | Psychiatric intervention voluntarily assumed by the patient, who is prompted by his personal difficulties or suffering and who retains control over his participation with the psychiatrist. (05 Mar 2000) |
| contractual psychotherapy | Psychotherapy based on a firm agreement, or "contract," between therapist and patient as to the role of each in the therapeutic situation. (05 Mar 2000) |
| contractural diathesis | A tendency to have contractures in hysteria. (05 Mar 2000) |
| contracture | <orthopaedics> A condition of fixed high resistance to passive stretch of a muscle, resulting from fibrosis of the tissues supporting the muscles or the joints or from disorders of the muscle fibres. Origin: L. Contractura (18 Nov 1997) |
| contracture deformity | Deformity of a limb without discernable primary changes of bone. (05 Mar 2000) |