I would like to clarify the definition OF contraction for my cousin's benefit...anyone wanna help?

A contraction IS the shortening and hardening of the uterus. I put on facebook that I am having contractions that are a minute long. I did not put that I am having them regular or I am in labor. My cousin likes to embarr me on there and state crap she thinks she's right about and says that I think my Braxton Hicks are indeed labor. She admits she has never had the baby engage a big melon down there. She has had 3 babies and is on her fourth and I have had two and am on my third. My baby is also sticking his big melon down there. When he does it's VERY painful and I have a contraction come on that is strong enough to knock the wind out of me. I went to the hospital to get checked, LIKE it is recommended AFTER I talked to the midwife. I did NOT think it was labor and I have told everyone what IS happening and that I think it's engagement. I told the midwife that and she agreed but wanted to check to make sure because the last labor I had was 2 1/2 hours start to finish and I was experiencing this for an hour and a half and I am only 33 1/2 weeks. I KNOW they are not labor contractions but a contraction IS a contraction, BH, labor, etc. It could also be a irritable uterus, but either way I'm NOT in labor. I just spent the most crappy night with a sore back and contractions that are a bit painful (which Braxton Hicks CAN be - she thinks not). They are NOT regular so I still do not believe they are labor. Anyone wanna ad an opinion so when I send this to her she can stick it in her hat?