shortcut

American  

[shawrt-kuht] / ˈʃɔrtˌkʌt /

noun

1. a shorter or quicker way.

2. a method, procedure, policy, etc., that reduces the time or energy needed to accomplish something.

3. Computers.

   1. a link to a software application, file, or website, usually represented as a graphical icon that can be clicked on to quickly access or open it.

      You can create a desktop shortcut to a web page you've visited.

   2. Also called keyboard shortcut.  hotkey.

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adjective

1. constituting or providing a shorter or quicker way.

   shortcut methods.

Etymology

Origin of shortcut

First recorded in 1560–70; short + cut

Example Sentences

The message that he ultimately takes away is that there are no shortcuts to success.

From Los Angeles Times

"Invoking the government's responsibility, in my view, should be neither an easy way out nor a shortcut. It is a tool of last resort," he added of the constitutional power used.

From Barron's

His aunt said that while walking, her nephew had left her to find a shortcut, and sometime later she heard "a very loud splash and someone screaming for help".

From BBC

He sends handwritten notes to employees who receive bonuses or retire, often following a familiar script but never taking a shortcut past paper and ink.

From The Wall Street Journal

The deviations from standard practice meant thousands of references were not checked, and shortcuts in vetting led to there being some officers and staff who should not have been in the force.

From BBC