Shortsword

Shortsword is a compound word neologism used for referring to a sword shorter than the “standard” ones but yet longer than a dagger.

In normal use it refers to relatively short, straight-bladed swords or large, broad daggers. Examples include the katzbalger, gladius, xiphos, baselard, cinquedea, and the U.S. Model 1832 Foot Artillery Sword.
In role-playing games it typically refers to a generic weapon resembling the above types.
In Japanese martial arts, it refers for example to a wakizashi, a kodachi, or a tanto.

Short sword may be synonymous with the above, but is also an Early Modern term referring to a one-handed sword with a blade of moderate length (short only by comparison with a long sword).