There are several ASL signs for different meanings for the concept "short".
Meaning: Lasting or taking a small amount of time. E.g. a short time; a short story, a short answer, etc.
Related signs: BRIEF, TEMPORARY.
Shortly; soon (regional variation).
There are different signs for the concept of "measuring a small distance from end to end", sometimes in a single sign, often using classifiers. E.g. SHORT-SLEEVED. Examples below:
(person or sometimes animal) having little height; not tall. E.g. "a short person", "a cute small horse" (pony)
A string that is short.
A pencil that is short; a short pencil like one has sharpened a pencil for a period of time.
Pants that are short, unlike shorts, as if one grows up and the pants get smaller.
Review 101 words. Refresher.