Abbreviate

ab·bre·vi·ate [uh-bree-vee-eyt] verb, ab·bre·vi·at·ed, ab·bre·vi·at·ing.
verb (used with object)
#to shorten (a word or phrase) by omitting letters, substituting shorter forms, etc., so that the shortened form can represent the whole word or phrase, as ft. for foot, ab. for about, R.I. for Rhode Island, NW for Northwest, or Xn for Christian.
#to reduce (anything) in length, duration, etc.; make briefer: to abbreviate a speech.
verb (used without object)
#to use abbreviations.
==Origin== 
1400–50; late Middle English abbreviaten < Late Latin abbreviātus shortened (past participle of abbreviāre ), equivalent to Latin ad- ad- + breviātus ( brevi ( s ) short + -ātus -ate1 )
==Related forms==
ab·bre·vi·a·tor, noun
Category:Verbs
Category:A