1. Adjective
To make short or shorter in measure, extent, or time; as, to shorten distance; to shorten a road; to shorten days of calamity.
2. Adjective
To reduce or diminish in amount, quantity, or extent; to lessen; to abridge; to curtail; to contract; as, to shorten work, an allowance of food, etc.
3. Adjective
To make deficient (as to); to deprive; -- with of.
4. Adjective
To make short or friable, as pastry, with butter, lard, pot liquor, or the like.
5. Verb
To become short or shorter; as, the day shortens in northern latitudes from June to December; a metallic rod shortens by cold.
6. Verb
become short or shorter; "In winter, the days shorten"
Vocabulary classified under Academic vocabulary
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