noun
1. : a conductor of comparatively low resistance that is accidentally or intentionally connected between points on a circuit between which the resistance is normally much greater ; also : direct contact between such points that makes the resistance zero
2. : something that interrupts, cuts off, or bypasses
the extent to which short circuits may be developing in the system of internal check — Journal of Accountancy
specifically : an artificial communication established surgically between two parts (as of the alimentary canal) to enable the contents to pass around an intervening obstruction