Real Dictionary

short circuit in American English
a usually accidental low-resistance connection between two points in an electric circuit, resulting in either excessive current flow that often causes damage or in a new shorter circuit that draws current away from the original pathways and components
noun: 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 circuit in British English
noun: a faulty or accidental connection between two points of different potential in an electric circuit, bypassing the load and establishing a path of low resistance through which an excessive current can flow. It can cause damage to the components if the circ
verb: to develop or cause to develop a short circuit

short circuit in Electrical Engineering
noun: A short circuit is a situation in which a faulty connection or damaged wire causes electricity to travel along the wrong route and damage an electrical device.

short-circuit
verb: If an electrical device short-circuits or if someone or something short-circuits it, a wrong connection or damaged wire causes electricity to travel along the wrong route and damage the device.

short-circuit in American English
to develop a short circuit
to make a short circuit in
intransitive verb: to form a short circuit or become inoperable due to a short circuit
transitive verb: to make (an appliance, switch, etc.) inoperable by establishing a short circuit in

short-circuit in British English
to develop a short circuit
to develop or cause to develop a short circuit
noun: a faulty or accidental connection between two points of different potential in an electric circuit, bypassing the load and establishing a path of low resistance through which an excessive current can flow. It can cause damage to the components if the circ