short circuit: Meaning and Definition of

short' cir'cuit

Pronunciation: [key]
— Elect. Elect.
  1. an abnormal, usually unintentional condition of relatively low resistance between two points of different potential in a circuit, usually resulting in a flow of excess current.

short-cir•cuit

Pronunciation: (shôrt"sûr'kit), [key]
— v.t.
    1. to make (an appliance, switch, etc.) inoperable by establishing a short circuit in.
    2. to carry (a current) as a short circuit.
  1. to bypass, impede, hinder, or frustrate: Bad weather short-circuited my vacation plans.
—v.i.
  1. to form a short circuit or become inoperable due to a short circuit.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.