# shunt

/ˈʃənt/ (US) · /ʃˈʌnt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shunt
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

a way to move something from one path to another. In medicine, it is a tube that helps move fluid from one part of the body to another. In computing, it is a shortcut for a specific task.

For teachers: a device or pathway that diverts a flow of fluid, electricity, or data from its normal course. In medical contexts, it refers to a surgically implanted tube used to redirect cerebrospinal fluid. In computing, it describes a direct, low-level operation that bypasses standard processing.

## Examples

- The surgeon placed a shunt to help drain the fluid.
- The technician used a memory shunt to bypass the corrupted sector and recover the lost data from the hard drive.
- In complex cardiovascular surgery, a shunt may be temporarily inserted to maintain blood flow while the surgeon repairs a blocked artery, ensuring the patient's organs remain oxygenated throughout the procedure.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.