What is a 'contraction' in language?

A contraction is specifically defined as a shortened form of a word or group of words, often created by combining two words and omitting certain letters. For example, the word "can't" is a contraction formed from "cannot," where the "no" is replaced by an apostrophe. This linguistic tool allows for a more concise way of communication and is commonly used in both spoken and written English to create a more informal tone. Understanding contractions is essential for fluency and comprehension, enabling readers to recognize these forms in texts and use them appropriately in conversation.