What is the meaning of "in a nutshell"

Question

I met the sentence “in a nutshell” while reading a technical book. I want to know the meaning of this sentence (in a nutshell).

Answer 1

This is when you summarize something.

elook.org defines it as adverb summarizing briefly

Answer 2

In a nutshell means in a generalized and very abbreviated form.

To be in a nutshell or to lie in a nutshell means to be inside a small compass; allow a very short or simple definition or statement.

Answer 3

In a nutshell, “in a nutshell” summarizes something.

Answer 4

http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/in_a_nutshell

Answer 5

Adv. 1. in a nutshell - briefly briefly; "gave the facts in a nutshell"; "just tell me a story in a nutshell"; "explained the situation in a nutshell"

Taken from: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/in+a+nutshell