dwarf

 
Pronunciation: /dwɔːf/

noun (plural dwarfs or dwarves /dwɔːvz/)

  • 1(in folklore or fantasy literature) a member of a mythical race of short, stocky human-like creatures who are generally skilled in mining and metalworking.
  • an abnormally small person.
  • [as modifier] denoting something, especially an animal or plant, which is much smaller than the usual size for its type or species: a dwarf conifer
  • 2 (also dwarf star) Astronomy a star of relatively small size and low luminosity, including the majority of main sequence stars.

verb

[with object]
  • cause to seem small or insignificant in comparison: the buildings surround and dwarf All Saints church
  • stunt the growth or development of: (as adjective dwarfed) the dwarfed but solid branch of a tree

Derivatives

dwarfish

adjective

Origin:

Old English dweorg, dweorh, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch dwerg and German Zwerg

In the sense ‘an abnormally small person’, dwarf is normally considered offensive. However, there are no accepted alternatives in the general language, since terms such as person of restricted growth have gained little currency.