Think of these examples:
* A sharp clap: This is a very short, percussive sound.
* The quick beep of a car horn: This is also short, but higher pitched than a clap.
* A bird chirp: This can be short or longer depending on the bird, but it's typically quick and high-pitched.
* The "pop" of a bubble bursting: This is a short, sudden sound that quickly fades.
It's important to consider:
* Pitch: How high or low the sound is.
* Volume: How loud or soft the sound is.
* Timbre: The unique quality of a sound that distinguishes it from others (like the difference between a violin and a trumpet).
Therefore, a short sound can be anything from a quick burst of energy to a barely audible whisper, depending on its other characteristics.