General physics: Someone please explain what a "short circuit" is

[hoxlay]

I am currently reading electricity and although I have read my textbooks well, I still dont understand what a "short circuit" is..thanks :cry:

[Janitor]

I think it is simply when two conductors are brought together (usually by accident) such that current can flow from one to the other "short" of the actual intended path. In other words, instead of the current being forced to continue on through the conductors to that induction motor or that capacitor and inductor or that transistor, or whatever, the current can just pass from one conductor into the other where the exposed metal surfaces touch.