short-range

The compound adjective 'short-range' is a modern formation from two native English elements. 'Short' descends from the Proto-Germanic skurtaz, conveying the fundamental concept of a lack of length or brevity. 'Range' entered English from Old French, originally denoting a line or row, and evolved to mean the extent or distance covered. Combined in the 19th century, the term logically constructs its meaning from its components: a scope or distance that is limited or brief, applicable to both physical projectiles and abstract planning.

Structure: short (limited) + range (scope) - short: From Old English sceort, of Germanic origin; meaning of limited length or duration. - range: From Old French range 'row, rank', from rangier 'to arrange'; meaning the area of variation or scope of operation.