← Back to Fala2Me

back contraction

[/bæk kənˈtrækʃən/]
nounpl: back contractions
contração dorsal / contração das costas
1. A muscular contraction or spasm affecting the back muscles, typically causing pain or stiffness
The athlete experienced a back contraction during the heavy lifting session.
O atleta sofreu uma contração dorsal durante a sessão de levantamento de peso.
2. In phonetics/linguistics, a process where vowels move toward the back of the mouth during articulation
The back contraction of vowels is common in certain dialects.
A contração dorsal de vogais é comum em certos dialetos.
3. In medicine, an involuntary tightening or shortening of back muscles
Back contractions can be relieved with stretching exercises.
As contrações das costas podem ser aliviadas com exercícios de alongamento.
Synonyms
muscle spasmback spasmdorsal contractionlumbar contraction
Antonyms
muscle relaxationback extension

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
contração das costas
Most common usage in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
contração dorsal
Medical terminology commonly used
São Paulo
contração das costas / contração dorsal
Both terms used interchangeably
Portugal
contração dorsal
Preferred medical/technical term

Related Idioms & Phrases

thrown out back
back against the wall
have someone's back
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →