Slender object cut short (4)
I believe the answer is:
thin
'slender' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'object cut short' is the wordplay.
'object' becomes 'thing' (an object is a thing or item).
'cut short' means to remove the last letter.
'thing' with its final letter taken off is 'THIN'.
(Other definitions for thin that I've seen before include "Slender, slight" , "Spare" , "With little thickness" , "Lean; narrow" , "Lean; make (plants) less crowded" .)