the act or process of reducing the size or volume of something by or as if by pressing most substances undergo contraction when cooled Synonyms compacting, compaction, condensation, condensing, constricting, constriction, contracting, compression, squeeze, squeezing, telescopingRelated Words abbreviation, abridgment (or abridgement), curtailment, ...
The possibility of bacterial growth actually increases as food cools after cooking because the drop in temperature allows bacteria to thrive. But you can keep your food above the safe temperature of 140ËF by using a heat source like a chafing dish, warming tray, or slow cooker.
Bacterial growth, like yeast, is affected by moisture, ph, temperature, food supply, salt, sugar, oxygen supply and light. Most bacteria grow well in moist environments with temperatures ranging between 25-40C. However, some like it colder (just over freezing) and some like it hot (60-80C). Bacteria thrive at a pH around neutrality (6.5- 8.0). Most chemicals will kill bacteria. Since bacteria will not grow in mediums with large amounts of salt, salt plays a contributing factor to the leavening of sourdough bread.