Definition of: shunt

(shunt) noun
1. A turning aside; the act of using a switch or shunt.
2. A railroad switch.
3. Electr. A conductor joining two points in a circuit and serving to divert part of the current. The proportion of the current diverted is regulated by the resistance of the shunt employed.
—v.t.
1. To turn aside.
2. In rail-roading, to switch, as a train or car, from one track to another.
3. Electr. To distribute by means of shunts.
4. To evade by turning away from; put off on someone else, as a task.
—v.i.
5. To move to one side.
6. Electr. To be diverted by a shunt: said of current.
7. To shift or transfer one's views or course. [Origin uncertain]
—shunt′er noun