shortcut (n)~ A link to any item accessible on your computer or on a network such as a program or application file folder disk drive printer or another computer. You can put shortcuts in various areas such as on the desktop on the Start menu or in specific folders. Shortcut ~ In- Windows- (from 95 on) a type of- icon- which lets you launch a program quickly without having to search for it. Often placed on the Windows- desktop- for convenience. Usually has a small arrow in the bottom lefthand corner to show it is a shortcut rather than the program itself.