contract I. /ˈkɔntrækt/ n. ［c］契约，合同：enter into/make a contract with sb. to do sth. 为干某事和某人达成契约；break a contract 毁弃合同；cancel a contract 取消合同；conclude a contract 缔结契约；dissolve a marriage contract 解除婚约；effect/observe/perform a contract 实施合同；sign a contract签订合同；tear up a contract 撕毁合同；the terms of a contract 合同条款 The bridge was built by contract. 那座桥是包工修建的。‖II. /kənˈtrækt/ vi.& vt. 1.订合同，订契约: contract for labour and material 包工包料；contract with a firm for 1000 tons of cement 向某公司立约承购1000吨水泥A foreign firm has already contracted to build a new railway across that country. 一家外国公司 已经承包修建一条横贯那个国家的新铁路。2.缔结，结成: contract an alliance with another country 与另一个国家结成联盟；contract a trade agreement 签订一个贸易协定 3.缩小，紧缩: Metals contracts in cold weather. 金属遇到寒冷气候要收缩。