Dry for a short time (3)
I believe the answer is:
sec
This clue is a double definition.
'dry' is the first definition.
(similar in meaning)
'short time' is the second definition.
(short for second)
'for a' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for sec that I've seen before include "Dry wine perhaps" , "Jiffy" , "Religious group." , "Mo or min?" , "sparkling?" .)