shortening

fe’l verb

1. To reduce or diminish in amount, quantity, or extent; to lessen. to shorten an allowance of food
2. To make shorter; to abbreviate.
3. To become shorter.
4. To make deficient (as to); to deprive (of).

ot noun

1. Fat that is solid at room temperature, such as margarine or lard (not usually used of butter), used to make shortcrust pastry.
2. Verbal noun of shorten - a reduction in length.