Typpically the term is used for reefing a sail, but can refer to changing to a smaller sail. Reefing is accomplished by lowering the sail down the mast or stay via halyard, and reefing or making up the foot of the sail with ties so it remains aerodynamic and isn't messy.
you shorten it by etc.
You don't shorten 'it has'.
Vitamins can't shorten your height.
Bill Shorten's birth name is William Richard Shorten.
Chick Shorten's birth name is Charles Henry Shorten.
Patricia Shorten's birth name is Patricia Shelley Shorten.
Chick Shorten is 6'.
FOR EXAMPLE : There was a fish on the beautiful reef.The men went snorkel diving on the barrier reef. ( a coral formation underwater)or..The crew took a reef in the mainsail. (reef- to shorten sail in high winds)
Lee Shorten is 5' 9".
Bill Shorten is 5' 10".
I had to shorten my presentation to fit within the time limit.
The verb of short is shorten. As in "to shorten something".