Don't, for instance, study adhesive friction (11)

I believe the answer is:

contraction

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'don't for instance' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'study adhesive friction' is the wordplay.
'study' becomes 'con' (con can informally mean to study).
'adhesive friction' becomes 'traction' (synonyms).
'con'+'traction'='CONTRACTION'

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(Other definitions for contraction that I've seen before include "Process of size reduction" , "Isn't, for instance" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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