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

For example, the systems may identify mutations in cancer driver genes and use them as shortcuts to classify cancer type -- which can reduce accuracy in populations where those mutations are less prevalent.

From Science Daily

Cynicism was called a shortcut to virtue because it involved no lengthy study or mental training such as that demanded by Plato.

From The Wall Street Journal

One nice touch is the ability to create shortcuts to specific locations or features right on your home screen.

From Salon

And cheese has, of course, become the modern shortcut.

From Salon

“I would say there’s a misnomer that AI is a shortcut,” Saunders said.

From The Wall Street Journal