Kutistumat

Kutistumat is the plural form of kutistuma, a Finnish noun describing the process or result of shrinking or contracting in size. The related verb kutistua means to shrink, contract, or become smaller. The term is used across different fields to describe a decrease in dimensions of objects, substances, or tissues.

In textiles and materials science, kutistuma refers to fabric or material shrinkage after exposure to heat, moisture, or washing. It is commonly expressed as a percentage change in dimensions and is influenced by fiber content, weave, finishing, and processing conditions. Preventive measures include using pre-shrunk fabrics, following recommended washing temperatures, and selecting materials designed to minimize shrinkage.

In biology and medicine, kutistuma can denote contraction or tightening of tissue in response to healing, inflammation, or scarring. In professional contexts, more precise terms such as contracture may be used for specific conditions, but kutistuma can appear as a general description of tissue size reduction in non-technical language.

In engineering and construction, kutistuma may describe shrinkage of building materials, such as concrete, wood, or polymers, due to aging, moisture loss, or thermal effects. This usage highlights the relevance of dimensional stability in design tolerances and long-term performance.

See also: shrinkage, contraction, kutistuminen.