1
[ verb ] make shorter than originally intended; reduce or retrench in length or duration

Examples

"He shortened his trip due to illness"

Used in print

(James A. Ibers et al., "Proton magnetic resonance...)

However , any oxygen nonequivalence would shorten either the already extremely short **f interlayer distance of 2.55 A or the non hydrogen_bonded **f interlayer interactions which are already quite short at 2.58 A .

(S. Idell Pyle, et al., Onsets, Completions, and...)

Thus , the Span of its ossification was shortened and the center 's ability to `` catch_up '' in ossification is demonstrated .

2
[ verb ] reduce in scope while retaining essential elements

Examples

"The manuscript must be shortened"

Used in print

(William C. Smith, "Why Fear Ideas?"...)

In the field of the natural_sciences , scientifically verified data are quite readily available and any discussion can be shortened with good results .

(Irving Fineman, Woman of Valor: The Life of Henrietta...)

Neither was Henrietta hoydenish like Jo , who frankly wished she were a boy and had deliberately shortened her name , which , like Henrietta 's , was the feminine form of a boy 's name .

3
[ verb ] make short or shorter

Examples

"shorten the skirt" "shorten the rope by a few inches"

Related terms

change cut shortener

4
[ verb ] become short or shorter

Examples

"In winter, the days shorten"

Related terms

lengthen decrease

5
[ verb ] edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate

Examples

"bowdlerize a novel"

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