from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Shunt \Shunt\, n. [Cf. D. schuinte slant, slope, declivity. See
{Shunt}, v. t.]
1. (Railroad) A turning off to a side or short track, that
the principal track may be left free.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Elec.) A conducting circuit joining two points in a
conductor, or the terminals of a galvanometer or dynamo,
so as to form a parallel or derived circuit through which
a portion of the current may pass, for the purpose of
regulating the amount passing in the main circuit.
[1913 Webster]
3. (Gunnery) The shifting of the studs on a projectile from
the deep to the shallow sides of the grooves in its
discharge from a shunt gun.
[1913 Webster]
{Shunt dynamo} (Elec.), a dynamo in which the field circuit
is connected with the main circuit so as to form a shunt
to the letter, thus employing a portion of the current
from the armature to maintain the field.
{Shunt gun}, a firearm having shunt rifling. See under
{Rifling}.
[1913 Webster]