con·tri·bu·tion 
/ˌkɑ:ntrəˈbju:ʃən/ noun
plural con·tri·bu·tions /ˌkɑ:ntrəˈbju:ʃən/ noun 1 [count] : something that is contributed: such as a : something that is given to help a person, a cause, etc.
▪ She made a 100-dollar contribution [=donation] to breast cancer research. ▪ They thanked him for his contribution of time and money. ▪ He made an important contribution to the debate.
b : something that is done to cause something to happen
▪ She's honored for her contributions [=efforts, work] towards finding a cure for AIDS. ▪ As mayor, he made many positive contributions to the growth of the city.
c : a piece of writing that is published as part of a larger work (such as a magazine, newspaper, or book)
▪ a book of essays including contributions from several well-known political columnists 2 [count] : a regular payment that is made to an employer or government for something (such as health insurance or a pension) 3 [noncount] : the act of giving something : the act of contributing
▪ The money was raised by voluntary contribution.
▪ She made a 100-dollar contribution [=donation] to breast cancer research. ▪ They thanked him for his contribution of time and money. ▪ He made an important contribution to the debate.
b : something that is done to cause something to happen
▪ She's honored for her contributions [=efforts, work] towards finding a cure for AIDS. ▪ As mayor, he made many positive contributions to the growth of the city.
c : a piece of writing that is published as part of a larger work (such as a magazine, newspaper, or book)
▪ a book of essays including contributions from several well-known political columnists
▪ The money was raised by voluntary contribution.
