verbπShareTo make shorter; to abbreviate."The teacher is shortening the essay assignment from five pages to three. "languagewritinglinguisticscommunicationChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo become shorter."The line for the school play was long, but it shortened quickly after the announcement. "actionprocessChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo make deficient (as to); to deprive (of)."The company's budget cuts are shortening the time employees have to complete their projects. "negativeactionChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo make short or friable, as pastry, with butter, lard, etc."The baker used butter to shortening the pastry dough, making it flaky and light. "foodChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo reduce or diminish in amount, quantity, or extent; to lessen."to shorten an allowance of food"amountactionprocessChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo take in the slack of (a rope)."He was shortening the rope so the swing wouldn't drag on the ground. "nauticalsailingChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo reduce (sail) by taking it in."The sailor shortened the sail to avoid capsizing the boat during the storm. "nauticalsailingChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareFat that is solid at room temperature, such as margarine or lard (not usually used of butter), used to make shortcrust pastry."My grandmother always uses shortening in her pie crust recipe because it makes the crust extra flaky. "foodsubstanceChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareVerbal noun of shorten - a reduction in length."The shortening of the school day caused some scheduling problems for after-school activities. "languagelinguisticsChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading