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.
Bacteria take both time and temperature to destroy. The higher the temperature, the less time required. Take Salmonella senftenberg for example, it takes 60 minutes at 140 F (60 C) to kill 99.9999% of the population. But at 160 F (70 C) it takes less than two minutes.