noun (n)

• a designated limit beyond which something cannot function or must be terminated(noun.quantity)

  source: wordnet30
• a route shorter than the usual one(noun.artifact)

  Synonym:
  crosscut, shortcut
  

  source: wordnet30
• a device that terminates the flow in a pipe(noun.artifact)

  source: wordnet30
• That which cuts off or shortens, as a nearer passage or road.(noun)

  source: webster1913