Shorten(a.) To make short or shorter in measure, extent, or time; as, to shorten distance; to shorten a road; to shorten days of calamity.
Shorten(a.) 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.
Shorten(a.) To make deficient (as to); to deprive; -- with of.
Shorten(a.) To make short or friable, as pastry, with butter, lard, pot liquor, or the like.
Shorten(v. i.) To become short or shorter; as, the day shortens in northern latitudes from June to December; a metallic rod shortens by cold.
Shortener(n.) One who, or that which, shortens.
Shortening(n.) The act of making or becoming short or shorter.
Shortening(n.) That which renders pastry short or friable, as butter, lard, etc.
Shortening(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Shorten
Words within shortenings