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.
Oven baking temperatures for cookie, cake and bread dough reach high enough temperatures to kill bacteria. Since the highest temperatures you need to kill the bacteria in eggs, casseroles and meats is 165 degrees Fahrenheit, oven temperatures of 300 F or 350 F for baking do a good job at killing both beneficial and dangerous bacteria.